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Show - 101 - to understand a little more about the dark secret that had been kept so well by all the parties concerned. Claudine turned and, with her hand in Andre's, started to walk toward the house. There was a general stir among the guests as they arose to follow the newlyweds. The attendants chattered and laughed in sheer joy at the beauty of the bride and gathered as close as they could around her. There were smiles of approval on everyone's faces and, with words of congratulations, prepared to follow the couple as they proceeded down the aisle. At that moment Claudine raised her eyes and looked toward the fence where the little gate was located. For what reason thought Penny. Was it perhaps to remember, for a brief moment, the youth she loved so dearly and deceived for another man? Did she recall the times when, as children, they roamed the hills beyond the old house, where the wild flowers bloomed in the spring and the tall grasses blew gently in the wind? An agonized look came over Claudine's face as Penny followed her gaze. Standing at the little gate was Dirk Vallone. This was not the same man that she had seen recently. The immaculate grooming was gone and his appearance was dishelveled and unkempt. He was bearded and his hair was uncombed. Perhaps this was how he had looked, as a youth, when he first appeared at the gate of Gaven House years ago. A young lad, of course, but wild and angry at everyone. His black overcoat completely covered him. He stared intently at the bride and there was a look of infinite dlspair on his face. "Why did you betray me, Claudine?" he said, in a loud and clear voice without taking his piercing dark eyes from her face. The look that passed between the two lovers physically shook Claudine, and she eould not pull her eyes away from Dirk's. Then with a great effort she whirled and jerked her hand from Andre's clasp, picked up her long skirt and fled toward |