George and Kathryn decided on a trip to Europe. They were going to travel for a month, stopping in London then on to Paris. The house was well on its way to being shut up for the remainder of winter; the furniture covered and the windows shuttered. In the living room, a trunk and baggage stood at the ready for their long awaited departure. George was in his study when he heard someone knock at the front door and Kathryn answer it. He heard the muffled voices of Kathryn and the visitor. There was a knock on the study door.

“Yes?”

The door opened and Kathryn stuck her head in and said, “There’s someone here to see you, George.”

She opened the door wider, revealing Marie standing by her side with a box in her hands. George stood as Marie entered and Kathryn shut the door, l...

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