Page 95 (1/2)

" 'And how's that, Aunt Queen? What's to happen with Blackwood Manor? Don't you realize that if you and I leave on one of your exotic junkets, there'll be no Blackwood on the premises? I'll meet this teacher, yes, I told you I would, but not here I insist that it not be here ¡¯

" 'I understand, absolutely,' she said 'And don't you worry about Nash, he's happily ensconced in the oes south, as they say, he will have had so of a delicious Creole vacation ¡¯

" 'You ine, but I could swear Jas's coh ti around today in a fancy Chanel suit I gave her two years ago She used to never wear the truly fine things that I gave her I think Jasmine sees her destiny ¡¯

" 'Which is what?' I asked

" 'To run Blackwood Manor in our absence She's co Rauished in domestic service all her life and she's sharp and well spoken and can certainly take on the responsibility for a portion of the profit ¡¯

" 'I didn't knoe made a profit,' I said 'Pops said we operated at a loss perpetually ¡¯

" 'Oh, Pops was pessiuests pay for some of the maintenance and upkeep and that's the whole point, to keep Blackwood Manor in existence, isn't it? Maybe I should say earnings instead of profit How does that sound to you? When Pops' will is read, everything will be easier ¡¯

" 'When is that to happen?' I asked

" 'Well, Patsy's hoine we could do it day after tomorrow ¡¯

" 'All right,' I said I was dazed by all this sudden infore drealances from a Technicolor Goblin

"This idea of Jasan to excite me It was perfect for Jasmine Aunt Queen understood Jasmine as no one else did, not even Jasmine

"Suddenly, and with surprising verve, I wanted to escape this place If Jas to resist her 'destiny,' I wanted a chance to talk to her The sie extent, and though I wasn't so all-fired sure of her brother Cle supervisor for the men -- a job that Pops' helper, Allen, had done directly I wanted desperately to get back

"Besides, I wanted to see Jasot up in a Chanel suit

"(In hteen-year-old heart, I wanted a second shot at Jasmine )

" 'All right, I'll see the panel of doctors,' I said 'But I want my own clothes I don't intend to run off I just wantme from Europe, and my lucky Versace tie Oh yeah, andelse And also Goblin likes those clothes Whenever I dress up for an event at home, he's delirious ¡¯