Pearl in the Mist (Landry 2)

Daphne's eyes were burning holes in my neck and

head. I was sure Gisselle's behavior pleased her more

than mine did, but I wasn't there to please Daphne; I

was there to say my last goodbye to Daddy and thank

the people who really cared, just as Daddy would

have wanted me to thank them: warmly, without

pretension.

Bruce Bristow remained very close by,

occasionally whispering to Daphne and getting some

order from her. When we had arrived at the church, he

offered to take my place and wheel Gisselle down the

church aisle. He was there to wheel her out and help

get her into the limousine and out of it at the

cemetery. Of course, Gisselle enjoyed the extra

attention and the tender loving care, glancing up at me

occasionally with that self-satisfied grin on her lips. The highlight of the funeral came at the very

end, just as we were approaching the limousine for

our ride home. I turned to my right and saw my half

brother, Paul, hurrying across the cemetery. He broke

into a trot to reach us before we got into the car. "Paul!" I cried. I couldn't contain my surprise

and delight at the sight of him. Daphne pulled herself

back from the doorway of the limousine and glared

angrily at me. Others nearby turned as well. Bruce

Bristow, who was preparing to transfer Gisselle from

her chair into the car, paused to look up when Gisselle

spoke.

"Well, look who's come at the last moment,"

she said.

Even though it had only been months, it seemed

ages since Paul and I had seen each other. He looked