Ruby (Landry 1)

"Why don't you see how Gisselle is getting

along, Beau?" Pierre asked firmly.

"Yes, sir," Beau said, and quickly marched

away. My father moved in 'closer and then sat on the

sofa across from me. Daphne closed the two large

doors softly and turned in expectation.

"You told them your last name is Landry?" my

father began. I nodded.

"Mon Dieu," Daphne said. She swallowed hard

and reached for the edge of a high back velvet chair to

steady herself.

"Easy," my father said, rising quickly to go to

her. He embraced her and guided her into the chair.

She sat back, her eyes closed. "Are you all right?" he

asked her. She nodded without speaking. Then he

turned back to me.

"Your grandfather. . . his name is Jack?" Yes."

"He's a swamp trapper, a guide?"

I nodded.

"How could they have done this, Pierre?"

Daphne cried softly. "It's ghastly. All these years!" "I know, I know," my father said. "Let me get

at the core of this, Daphne." He turned back to me, his

eyes still soft, but now troubled, too. "Ruby. That is

your name?" I nodded. "Tell us what you know about

all this and why you have presented yourself at this

time. Please," he added.

"Grandmere Catherine told me about my

mother. . how she became pregnant and then how

Grandpere Jack arranged for my sister's . . . "--I

wanted to say "sale," but I thought it sounded too