My+Essay

The Necklace: A Continuation Written By: Sean Holroyd Sapphire The 19th of September 2007

" F-f-f-five hundred francs?" Matilda stuttered. " Why yes, my dear " Madam Forestier said. Matilda was astonished at the evenness of Madam Forestier's voice. " I assumed that you had perceived that they were false, oh my dear Matilda, I apologize. I feel terrible, just terrible about this whole mixup " Madam Forestier continued. " I for one, am flattered that you would go through all the trouble of replacing my necklace, even though you knew that I could have easily replaced it. Matilda, you are a true friend and you deserve gratification for your generous deed." Madam Forestier exclaimed. " First, I would like to give you the necklace back, as you need it more than I do." She gingerly took the necklace off of her neck and placed it in the brittle hands of her old friend. Matilda looked down at the beautiful jewels as they glinted in the Sunday morning sun and felt relief flood her body. It was as if ten years of pressure had just been lifted off of her shoulders. "Why Jeanne, what ever can i do to repay you? How about five hundred francs, the price of the necklace that i lost all those years ago?" Matilda begged. " Oh Matilda my sweet, you and I both know that you need the money more than I do." Madam Forestier chuckled. " I am in a state of disbelief, Matilda, how much did you lose?" Madam Forestier said with a tear in her eye. Matilda answered " My beautiful home, my maid, and the love of my faithful husband." " Oh my dear, and all this time I never even knew. Why just last week you crossed my mind, I thought whatever happened to my dear friend Matilda. Why I even contemplated going to your residence to see if you were well. I suppose that if I had and seen it vacant, I would have assumed that you had hit hard times and moved on. It is funny how things happen isn't it?" Madam Forestier said quietly. " Yes, I suppose it is. " Matilda replied. " Well Matilda, I believe that I can offer you some help, give me your address and expect to hear from me tonight." Matilda wrote down her address on a spare piece of parchment, and then Madam Forestier was off. Matilda journeyed through the winding streets of the city towards home with a new air of happiness in her eyes, she felt like dancing along or yelling out loud, something to commemorate the fabulous news. By the time she reached home her husband had returned from work. As she waltzed through the door he pounced on her with questions. " Dear where have you been, I was worried sick! " He exclaimed. " Honey you would never guess what happened!" Matilda retorted. She told her husband the story of the day's events. He did not believe her until she triumphantly pulled the jewels from her kerchief. That evening, at about ten to five there was a light knocking at the door. Matilda opened it to see a messenger waiting on the steps. " Madam Forestier requests you and your husband's presence at her home tonight." He continued. " A carriage will be sent at seven o' clock." He bowed and hurried to his carriage, where he whipped the horse on it's haunches and swiftly pulled away. Matilda and her husband arrived at the home of Madam Forestier at seven thirty, courtesy of an untimely horse drawn carriage. Madam Forestier opened the door gallantly with a flourish and led them to an exquisitely furnished dining hall. She sat herself at the head of the table and immediately began to speak. " Due to you going through all the trouble to return my necklace, and due to the guilt that I am the one who has caused your hardships, I would like to repay you Matilda." Madam Forestier spoke with an even and confident tone. " Firstly, I have purchased a beautiful home just down the road for you to live in. Secondly I have commissioned a maid for you, Matilda here looks like she hasn't had a break in ten years." Of course Madam Forestier had no idea that this was not far from the truth. Matilda gasped and sat in one of the plush chairs, flustered. Her husband looked pale as if he had seen and apparition. They gratefully accepted Madam Forestier's condolences, and to this day Matilda and her husband live in that beautiful home down the road. Matilda has regained her youthful appearance and youthful demeanor, and a smile never leaves her face these days. Since their new home was payed off, Matilda's husband was able to leave his secretarial position at The Board Of Education, and spend more time with Matilda. Good things happen to good people.