Pearl in the Mist (Landry 2)

bushes when you least expect him."

"I almost ran away and returned to the bayou," I

confessed.

"If you ever do . . . I'll be there to help you,"

Paul said. "I'm working as a manager in our canning

factory now," he added proudly. "I make a good

salary, and I'm thinking of building my own house." "Oh Paul, really?" He nodded. "Have you met

someone then?"

His smile faded. "No."

"Have you tried?" I pursued. He turned away.

"Paul?"

"It's not easy finding someone to compare to

you, Ruby. I don't expect it to happen overnight." "But it has to happen, Paul. It should. You

deserve someone who can love you fully. You deserve

a family of your own someday too."

He remained silent. Then he turned and smiled. "I really enjoyed your letters from school, especially

all the things you've told me about Gisselle." "She's been more than a handful, and I just

know things are going to get worse now that Daddy's

gone, but he left me promising to look after her. I'd

rather look after a barrel of green snakes," I said. Paul

laughed again, and I felt the weight of sorrow lift from

my breast. It was as if I could suddenly breathe again. But before we could continue, we saw Edgar

approaching. He looked glum.

"I'm sorry, mademoiselle, but Madame Dumas

wants you to come into the house and go directly to

the parlor now," he said, raising his eyebrows to

indicate how sternly she had given the command. "Thank you, Edgar. I'll be right along," I said.

He nodded and left us.

"Oh Paul, I'm so sorry you've come so far to

spend so short a time with me."