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myself."

I shook my head and stepped back, more

terrified than ever.

"Come on," he said. "Look. My name's Beau

Andreas. I'm a very good friend of the family.

Actually, Gisselle is my girlfriend, but my parents and

the Dumas have known each other for ages. I'm like a

member of this family. That's why I'm so shocked by

what you're saying. Come on," he chanted, and took

my hand.

"I've changed my mind," I said, shaking my

head. "This isn't as good an idea as I first thought." "What isn't?"

"Surprising them."

"Mr. and Mrs. Dumas don't know you're

coming?" he asked, his confusion building. I shook

my head. "This is really bizarre. Gisselle doesn't know

she has a twin sister and the Dumas don't know you're

here. Well, why did you come all this way if you're

only going to turn around and go right back?" he

asked, his hands on his hips.

"You're afraid, aren't you?" he said quickly. "That's it, you're afraid of them. Well, don't be. Pierre Dumas is a very nice man and Daphne . . . she is nice, too. Gisselle," he said, smiling, "is Gisselle. To tell you the truth, I can't wait to see the expression on her

face when she comes face-to-face with you." "I can," I said, and turned away.

"I'll just run in and tell them you were here and

you're running away," he threatened. "Someone will

come after you and it will all be far more

embarrassing."

"You wouldn't," I said.

"Of course I would," he replied, smiling. "So

you might as well do it the right way." He held out his

hand. I looked back at the house and then at him. His