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Show ' - 121 - "Yes, we have," she replied, "And he said that he couldn't, or should I say wouldn't, say anything until we learned more of the details about Claudine and Dirk. Now you must tell us what else happened after she married Andre1 Junot. Vicky looked at Penny and then Maddie. A startled look came over her face, but with an effort, she said nothing. "I agree, but you must remember, with all the preparations going on for your parents' trip, I couldn't find the time to discuss it with you further. Also, you know that I daren't say a word about Claudine while they are present, said Maddie looking directly at Penny. But I made a promise and I Intend to keep it. Let's go out on the veranda where it's pleasant. You must be thirsty after your walk so I'll bring out some lemonade and those pretty powdered-sugared cookies your mother bakes so beautifully. We'll sit down and I'll tell you what happened. At least as much as I can, and I warn you to be prepared for some shocks." A few minutes later the girls were seated on the wicker divan and Maddie sat at the table. She poured them each a glass of lemonade and Vicky passed the cookies. They could see Tom busily working in the rose garden and he glanced over to where they were but did not attempt to join them. "Now let me see," said Maddie, smoothing her dress. "It's been almost twenty years and I'm not as young as I used to be, but these events are burned in my memory. Tom and I can never forget them. As I told you before, Penny, after Claudine married Andre" she realized what a terrible mistake she had. made. Too late, she knew that Dirk was her only true love, but her husband was not to be put off that easily. He demanded his bride and she was going to be his, one way or another. "Claudine had no way of leaving the house without being apprehended by Andre' who was fast losing his.patience. She finally devised a plan. |