My Lord of Kismet

Running back into the room, Mrs. Drake threw whatever else would fit into the trunk. Herlina stood in astonishment, unable to speak as she watched her mother lug it toward the stairs and push it down the steps. She heard it clinking until it landed at the bottom with a loud thump.

Following Mrs. Drake to her own room, Herlina watched as she did the same with another trunk. She wasn't thinking anymore. Taking hold of everything within her reach, she quickly packed them. Not worrying about the personal things, she left behind all her powders and perfumes. Grabbing the little trinkets sitting atop her night table, she tossed them in all at once, causing them to clank and one of them broke, but she didn't stop. She opened her jewelry boxes and dumped the contents into the trunk before slamming it shut. Then pulling it to the stairs, she gave it a good push and sent it flying down the steps like the first. Mr. Drake appeared and removed them just as quickly.

Mrs. Drake was halfway down the stairs when she turned back to Herlina, "Come," she said, and she held out her hand. "We've got to go now."

Not understanding what was happening, Herlina stood in tears. "What's happening?" she cried. "Why won't you tell me?"