Page 101 (1/2)

"Your fracture is far froe and set back your recovery"

"A setable" Sarveux smiled weakly

Danielle cae of the bed "You've made your point, Charles There is no need to exert yourself" He kissed her hand "I beg your forgiveness, Danielle"

She looked at hiiveness?"

"Yes," he said softly so the others in the room did not hear "I undervalued your spirit I always looked upon you as a wealthy child whose only aie in Cinderella fantasies I rong"

"I'm not sure I understand" she said hesitantly

"In my absence you stepped into nity and determination," he said sincerely "You have truly proven that Danielle Sarveux is the first lady of the land"

Suddenly she felt a, deep sadness for him In certain respects he was perceptive, and in others he see to appreciate her capabilities And yet her desires completely eluded hiuess the extent of her

deceit

By the tiht, it would be too late

Sarveux was in his robe, seated on the sofa and staring at the television set, whei Henri Villon entered his roo in the e crowd of cheering people

"Thank you for co, Henri"

Villon looked at the TV "It's done," he said quietly "The referendum for full independence has passed

Quebec is a nation"

"Now the chaos begins," said Sarveux He punched the OFF button on the control box and the TV set went dark Then he turned to Villon and motioned to a chair "How do you see it?"