HE'S ASLEEP

While reading, Danny was lying his head on Vilian's lap. She was weaving through his soft brown ginger hair which Vilian really liked and so did Danny for he felt a bit so comfortable and sleepy...

This time Vilian had to read the book a little louder for Danny to hear so she read it out,

~" 'Who are you?' the Duke asked.

'what are you doing here' In answer, the figure on the floor, twisting a little beneath the hand that gripped so mercilessly a small, soft shoulder, threw back the hood which obscured her identity.

For a moment the Duke could only stare at what the light from the lantern revealed. A small white face was turned towards him, two very large, rather frightened eyes looked up into his; and as the dark hood fell further from the wearer's head it revealed a mass of soft, unbound red-gold hair which glittered and shine in the candlelight.

'Who are you?' The Duke asked the question again, but this time his voice was less peremptory.

'Pardon, Monsieur! I am sorry. I hoped you wouldn't find me for I am only to travel with you as far as Chantilly.'

'How did you know that is where I am going?' the Duke enquired.

'I heard your men say so; and while they were seeing to the lame horse, I slipped into the coach. The door was open, there was no one to stop me.'

Her voice was very soft and low; as she spoke, the Duke noticed, this strange young woman who had hidden herself beneath his rugs, in a very correct and educated manner. Slowly the Duke took his hand from her shoulder ; then with a faint smile he removed the rug from where her had tossed it and indicated the seat beside him.

' Won't you sit down? ' he invited.

Nervously and yet with a grace that was not easy in a moving, swaying coach, the girl rose to her feet and sat herself on the seat beside him.

It was easier now to see her more clearly. She was very young and very lovely. There was, too, something very aristocratic and well-bred about the exquisite outline of her features and long, slim fingers which clutched a little nervously at the front of her dark cloak.

'I am delighted,' the Duke said suavely, 'if I can be of assistance to you, Mademoiselle. If you wish to travel to Chantilly, my coach is at your disposal; but surely you need not to put yourself to such discomfort? It cannot have been very pleasant beneath those hot rugs'

His words brought a flush to her cheeks, and then a faint smile to her lips.

'Merci, Monsieur, you are very kind. But you must think me a little . . . well . . . unconventional. '

'It is not for me to question your method of travel,' the Duke replied, 'although I admit I am somewhat curious.'

The stranger gave a little sigh and glanced out of the window. But there was little to see save trees and they were traveling quickly.

'Perhaps I should explain,' she said softly. ' I have run away from the Convent.'

As she spoke, the candle in the lantern flickered low and went out. The Duke gave an exclamation of annoyance, but as he moved to call for a footman, he felt a hand on his arm.

'Pray do not trouble about the light. It is best that you should not see me too closely, so that if you are asked to describe me, you can truthfully say you do not know what I am like.'

'You imagine, then, that they will come in pursuit of you?' the Duke asked.

'I expect so,' was the calm reply.

'In which case it would be best for us to introduce ourselves. I, Mam'selle, am the Duke of Melyncourt, at your service.'

'Enchanté, Monseigneur. And I am Amé.'

There was a pause.

'A pretty name,' the Duke said at length, ', and an unusual one ; but is that all you intend to tell me?'

'That is all I know.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'I said it is all I know. I was christened Amé, which means soul. I am called Amé because it is easy to pronounce. It is the only name I have. V oilá tout'.

'I see.'

'You are puzzled, Monseigneur ; but it is quite simple. I was left at the Convent when I was a baby. My mother pinned a note on my robe. It read: " My daughter is Christened Ame, because in giving her to God I give also my own soul and my last hope of Heaven." '

(LOVE ME FOREVER)

~Barbara Cartland~

Reading it out for Danny and herself she felt the boy who was listening to her intently gave no sign of any movements.

Looking away from the book and towards her half-brother, she saw him sound asleep. Some of his hair strands were fallen on his forehead, so she brushed them away. Seeing the boy sleeping on her lap, brought a faint smile to her lips.

When she was about to tuck him into her blanket, with a twice knock in came a maid who was none other than Lily. She was the only maid who was allowed to enter in such a way even without the permission of her young miss, but of course only when she was in her presence.

"Young Ms. Vilian..."

"Shhh...! Low your voice. Danny. He's asleep." said Vilian softly, audible enough only to reach the maid's ears and she nodded understandingly.

"Ms.Vilian, the lunch is prepared. Would you want me to arrange it in your room Mi'lady?" This time asked, whispering while bowing her head.

"You need not bother yourself Lily for I'll be coming down. Let Daniel sleep in my room. Also, don't forget to prepare his lunch once he's awake.

"As per your wish Mi'lady. If that is all, may I seek for my leave Mi'lady?"

"Sure, dear." Said Vilian with a pleasant smile on her face. She had always been the kindest of all to every soul. For that Lily felt so great to serve her lady.

Lily was eighteen years old and only two years younger than Vilian. But Vilian always has been like the elder sister towards her, other than giving orders which weren't much strict. Though it was like that Lily always respected and could only be a loyal maid in return as she was only a mere orphan maid but never did Vilian ever pointed it out for she didn't like to treat servants or any soul who is nothing but innocent and had no choice but live such a miserable life.