@@@@@Her high spirits carried her through the
@@@@@Her high spirits carried her through
the final preparations for the birthday dinner that engulfed her when
she got back to the Robillard houseThey began to dim slightly when
she learned that her grandfather would actually come to table for the
six courses of his particularly favorite foodsHer spirits plummeted
when the aunts informed her that she wasn't allowed to eat many of
the
delicacies that would be served"Flesh is forbidden during Lent,"
said Pauline sternly"Be certain that no gravy touches the rice or
vegetables you eat
"But be careful, ScarlettDon't let Pere notice," added Eulalie in a
whisper"He doesn't approve of fasting Her eyes were rheumy with
sorrowBrooding about missing out on the food, thought Scarlett
unkindlyThen-I don't blame herThe aromas from the kitchen were
making her mouth water"There'll be soup for usAnd fish," Eulalie
said with sudden cheerfulness"Cake, too, a beautiful, beautiful
cakeA true feast, Scarlett
"Remember, Sister," warned Pauline, "gluttony is a sin Scarlett left
them; she could feel herself losing control of her temperIt's only a
dinner, she reminded herself, just calm downEven with Grandfather
at
table with us, it can't be all that badAfter all, what could one old
man do? He could, Scarlett learned at once, refuse to allow anything
other than French to be spokenHer "Happy Birthday, Grandfather,"
was
ignored as if she hadn't said itHer aunts' greetings were
acknowledged by a cold nod, and he sat down in the huge throne-like
chair at the head of the tablePierre Auguste Robillard was no longer
a night-shirted, frail elderly man
Impeccably clothed in an old-fashioned frock coat and starched linen,
his thin body looked larger, and his erect military bearing was
impressive even when he was se