Chapter 22

"Margaret," whispered Elaine. "What are you doing here?"

Her old teacher stood before her, her shawl as ragged as ever. Her hair seemed to have turned whiter since the last time Elaine had seen her. Margaret's wrinkles seemed deeper, more pronounced than ever before. 

"I had to come back to your town," she whispered. "Renard...Renard left, and I am growing too old to take care of myself." Elaine rushed to her and gave her a great hug. Her throat seemed full and she was too choked up to speak. Margaret put a hand on her head and brushed her fingers lightly through her hair. "Oh child," she whispered. "How I have missed you." 

"I have missed you too," said Elaine. "Please, come inside," she ushered Margaret into the living room. She introduced her to Alicia and Margaret made a deep bow. Elaine's mother came in from the kitchen, and she was wiping a glass, when she said, "Oh Margaret! How good it is to see you."