frivolous she sounded, Evadno paused, and then spoke the truth: "I knew I'd never fall in love again. I couldn't... after Eden Heights...and so....."

"Does Jeanne know how you feel?"

"I told her, of cour se. But she wanted me, regardless,"

Van finished her coffee, glanced at her watch, then reached for her handbag. "I had no idea it was getting so late. The poodles will be famished."

Evadne arose from the table with Van and went to the gue st closet for Van's coat. Together they walked to the door that led to the elevator.

"It's ironic that when we fancy ourselves in love we can't always discern between the lasting kind and the imitati on variety. I wish I could say to you now, Evadno, 'come with me to Eden Height s. Let me take you away from all this,' All this!" Van smiled bitterly as her eyes took in one o more the glamour and luxury of the penthouse. "My little cottage would be a poor substitute for it!"

"Even if this place were a tent I couldn't go with you, Van," Evadne replied. "Surely you realise that!"

"I know, I know," Van sighed. "But--can't we still be friends? I mean--to see each other once in awhile. I don't mean that the way it sounds, but...to part like this and not keep in touch.....seems so....."

"Final?" Evadne supplied the missing word. "Yes, it is, Van. Yet for it to be otherwise would be disastrous." Sho pressed the elevator button with her slender, wellmanicured forefinger.

"You spoke of 'abandoning all hope' with Denise," Evadno continued. "Total acceptance of defeat lies not in merely 'giving up', but in wholehearted, irrevocable compromise."

Evadne gave her hand to Van and the two stood silently, hands clasped, for the brief interval it took for the clovator to arrive. Van entered and pushed the automatic

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