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"Maddie----Miss Hawthorn-I supposed you would be someone ould listen and understand what I want to say and why I need to say it" Austin bowed his head "Hayley speaks so easily with you, and now I fear I have ness to speak openly with me"

"What is so important that you wish iveyou away frooblet to his mouth and sipped the wine He lowered the cup, and said softly

"You may return to your duties, Maddie"

_ _

When Hayley reached the dining roo for the meal

A banquet table had been set for twenty-four diners

Only the closest friends of the Souests had gone

As Hayley waited for the seating to co roo a familiar voice she turned and saw Austin in the foyer with a beautiful lady The woed in conversation Austin smiled the same way he had always smiled at Hayley The two seemed to be in their oorld, oblivious to those around theiven every worin They didn't look as though they were in a hurry to be seated

Hayley wondered if they wished they were alone Not wishing for Austin to catch her staring at thee hearth As discourageht to keep her deh she wondered if the expression on her face was revealing the pain in her heart

As she gave thought to return to the kitchen, she heard the voice of Mrs Soathered to honor my dear son, on his twentieth birthday May you, dear Austin, be blessed with a long and prosperous life, filled with love and reements filled the roooblets raised in honor

The headwaiter stepped up to Hayley and uests, she determined not to look at anyone in the face, and she anxiously awaited the mo the last guest, she heard Austin's friendly voice

"Miss,up at Austin, she found hi with the lady she had seen with him in the hallway