And both were young

by Madeleine L'Engle

Paul's voice shook. "He might believe him. If my father believed him I'd have to go with him."

"You don't remember him? You don't remember him at all, Paul?" Flip asked.

Paul shook his head.

"You don't think he is your father?" Flip asked.

Paul shook his head again and he was shivering.

"We'd better go in," Flip said. "You're cold."

Georges Laurens was shut up in his tiny study and Flip and Paul crouched in front of the fire.

"Thank goodness Aunt Colette isn't here," Paul said. "She'd guess something was the matter right away."

"I wish she were here!" Flip cried. "She'd know what to do."

But Paul shook his head again. "I know what I have to do."