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She leaned down, kissed hihly "We have e have always had, my love Dreams and memories"

"Ah, Selena" He took her face in his wet hands, held her with infinite gentleness "It hurts to dream with you"

Tears stung her eyes "I know," she said in a tre voice "But it's all we have"

The nextat herself in the mirror What she saw made her feel queasy, unsteady on her feet

The dark russet wool of the Shaker gown covered her from throat to foot Already the tender flesh of her throat was chafed by the high collar Slowly she buttoned the unadorned kerchief around her throat, straightened it so that the "indecent" outline of her breasts was coht bun at the base of her neck and pinned her white, starched cap in place The ruffled edge fra her forehead

Shethe heavy blankets in, s the top

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Her fingers lingered lovingly against the cotton, feeling the softness one last time

One last time

She waited for the hot sting of tears, but this time they didn't come

Forcing her chin up, she straightened and headed for the door and went into the hallway

The house was quiet, too quiet

She descended the stairs slowly, her booted feet creaking on the ood Everyone aiting for her at the bottom of the stairs Elliot stood by the door, hat in hand, as alone in a crowd as a man could be

The ed around her, crying, talking softly all at once, saying their good-byes in harsh, throaty voices She hugged each one in turn, clinging as long as she could, and then she drew back

Ian turned to Elliot "May I say good-bye in private?"