eft only with a slit, allowing a soft ray of sunlight to fall upon Edith''s side face.

Everything unfolded in perfect harmony.

Their lips entwined - a kiss devoid of any carnal desires, two pure angels snuggling up to each other.

"I love you!" he said so firmly, gazing into her with his sparkling blue eyes the moment they parted.

She laughed and wept, upbraiding him for causing her such worry.

Their youthful and beautiful faces once again drew close, indulging themselves in unbridled joy at surviving the ordeal.

"My angel!" he called, panting.

-------------------

Andre got out of bed, yet the people of this house were no longer willing to let him go.

"You should live with us, dear Quenet." Aunt Adele was actually the first to propose.

Andre replied with a smile, "I defer to the opinions of the two young ladies."

"Edith is the centre of this family," said Margot softly. "You''d just ask her."

Edith complained about her sister forcing her to make this embarrassing decision in front of the whole family. But she nodded sheepishly in agreement.

Once they confirmed each other''s mind, she tried to change the dressing on his shoulder wound herself.

Edith''s technique was clumsy, plus her movements were never as gentle and nimble as her sister Margot''s, causing the patient to involuntarily let out a groan of pain.

"I''m sorry," said Andre, lying on his front.

"Why are you apologising to me?" Edith looked at him funny.

"In front of my lover, I fail