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leading him to a bench over which was an arch of roses. "She's sending us back to Greenwood

tomorrow," I told him after we had sat down. "So soon?"

"Not soon enough for her," I said bitterly. I took

a deep breath. "But don't let me focus only on myself.

Tell me about home, about your sisters, everyone." I sat back and listened as he spoke, permitting

myself to fall back through time. When I lived in the

bayou, life was harder and far poorer, but because of

Grandmere Catherine, it was much happier. Also, I

couldn't help but miss the swamp, the flowers and the

birds, even the snakes and alligators. There were

scents and sounds, places and events I recalled with

pleasure, not the least of which was the memory of

drifting in a pirogue toward twilight, with nothing in

my heart but mellow contentment. How I wished I

was back there now.

"Mrs. Livaudais and Mrs. Thirbodeaux are still

going strong," he said. "I know they miss your

grandmere." He laughed. It sounded so good to my

ears. "They know I've kept in contact with you,

although they don't come right out and say so. Usually

they wonder aloud in my presence about Catherine

Landry's Ruby."

"I miss them. I miss everyone."

"Your grandpere Jack is still living in the house

and still, whenever he gets drunk, which is often,

digging holes and looking for the treasure he thinks

your grandmere buried to keep from him. I swear, I

don't know how he stays alive. My father says he's

part snake. His skin does look like he's been through a

tannery, and he comes slithering out of shadows and