THE YEAR was 1876. Snow dripped from the eaves of a certain rich man's cozy mansion as the sun peeked cautiously out from behind the grey clouds. The man's name was Andrew. His daughter's name was Donna. Donna's mother had passed away exactly two years ago. Donna was the only child in a large mansion. Let us now peek inside their cozy, warm home. There was the warm fireplace, standing austere and grand inside the entrance. Bright and glowing-hot coals burned cheerfully inside the lighted-up fireplace. There was the big grandfather clock, which Donna remembered since early childhood. The large, sunny windows danced with the shadows and flirted with the rose-tree bending down like a watchful father. But Donna did not feel like

dancing. As she was usually overjoyed since birth to joyfully watch the whirl of the gorgeous dance, she was overcome by grief and painful remembrances of her mother, on this anniversary of her dear mother's death. Lovingly, she stroked the soft pillow her mother had treasured. Suddenly it was too much for her to bear. She rushed outside and kneeled at her mother's grave. She quite dimly heard her father's worried cry, "Donna! Come straight back here! You've forgot your wrap or coat or gloves OR cap! The sun's just beginning to melt the snow. It hasn't done it all yet!" Then he added austerely to himself, "Bless you, Andrew! You've let the child go without wrap! Oh, how much easier it would be if- if only Elizabeth were here still." He sighed. "Oh... I

suppose I could let the child go without wrap for a few minutes." He looked lovingly at Donna, who was still unresponsive to his call. She was too absorbed in placing carefully a beautiful glass jar, chock-full of lilies, just on top of her mother's grave. She tearfully tossed her hair, stroking it thoughtfully as it came down. Ice formed on her hands as she stooped down on the melting snow to kiss her mother's grave. Suddenly she realized- her father had been calling for her! Rushing to the house, quickly and determinately, she finally unlocked the door- with the key she always carried for emergencies!! That's odd, the girl mused. I'm quite sure he was out here. It most assuredly wouldn't be his nature to lock me out on purpose- now would it?