CHAPTER FIVEMarina thought that her heart would jump right out of her mouth as she opened the telegram.
“No, I cannot read it!” she said, suddenly. “I could not bear it if it was more bad news.”
Just then, Monique appeared at the top of the stairs, tying her dressing gown belt, her hair all awry.
“Ah, I thought I heard you come home. Cherie, I have been so worried – the telegram, it is from home, n’est-ce pas?”
“Yes, but I am too afraid to read it. Take it, Monique, you do it for me.”
“No, cherie, it is private. I cannot do that.”
“But I want you to.”
Marina held out the telegram to her friend. With a sigh, Monique took it and read it quickly.
“Well?” asked Simon, impatiently.
“It is from Marina’s father, but I do not understand –”
“What does it say? You must tell me at once,” Ma
