Ruby (Landry 1)

straightened up quickly.

"These aren't rags," I retorted. He started to

laugh again. It seemed I could do nothing, say

nothing, gaze at him in no way without causing him to

become hysterical. "What's so funny? These happen

to be my sole belongins right now," I emphasized. He

shook his head and held his wide smile.

"Really, Gisselle, you're perfect. I swear," he

said, holding up his hand to take an oath, "this is the

best you've ever come up with, and that indignant

attitude to go along with it . . . you're going to win the

prize for sure. All of your girlfriends will die with

envy. Brilliant. And to surprise me, too. I love it." "First," I began, "my name is not Gisselle." "Oh," he said, still holding a grin as if he were

humoring a mad woman, "and what name have you

chosen?"

"My name is Ruby," I said.

"Ruby? I like that," he said, looking thoughtful.

"Ruby. . . a jewel. . . to describe your hair. Well, your

hair has always been your most prized possession,

aside from your real diamonds and rubies, emeralds,

and pearls, that is. And your clothes and your shoes,"

he cataloged with a laugh. "So," he said, straightening

up and changing to a serious face, "I'm to introduce

you to everyone as Mademoiselle Ruby, is that it?" "I don't care what you do," I said. "I certainly

don't expect you to introduce me to anyone," I added

and started away.

"Huh?" he cried. I started to cross the street

when he walked quickly behind me and seized my

right elbow. "What are you doing? Where are you

going?" he asked, his face now contorted in