VI

At three o'clock, the Crabs had come expecting further news;

Todd's face flushed red, looked up and said,

"I haven't heard a single word.

"I haven't any clues!"

"Just as we feared," the couple moaned, "she's lost forevermore!"

"Now, now, don't cry! We must still try.

"We can't abort..." His words cut short

By shouts outside his door.

The three then stopped to eavesdrop on the argument outside.

Detective Scott, it seemed, would not

Admit a child, whose screams were wild.

To Todd’s office inside.

"Just calm yourself and tell me what your business is, my dear."

"Don't call me 'dear'! I said I'm here

To see your boss!" She screamed, still cross:

"Now, move aside, you queer!"

"Now, wait, Miss, I would like to know just who you think you are?"

"A goddess, sir, so don't deter

The girl whose face you've made to grace

Your posters near and far!"

"It's true ," offered Marie. "We've traveled long and far this day.

"I've done my best, but cannot rest

'Til I am sure that Kate's secure.

"Please, let us through, I pray!"

Just then, the Crabs broke in with arms outstretched for an embrace.

"She's home at last! The pain is past!

"And, oh, how great this turn of fate

'That's brought us face to face!"

"Good grief," said Kate, who hadn't budged an inch but stood and

frowned.

She muttered then, "I'll hug you when

I find out why I've waited nigh

On ten weeks to be found!"

"Show gratitude," complained Marie. "They've done all they could do!"

"That's right," said Dad. "We both have had

A trying time..." "And so, now I'm

To thank the both of you?!

"Bullshit! With no reward you tried your best?" screamed Kate. "I'm sure!

"I've had to live, and daily give

My very best to pass the test

Of just one day with her!

"Excuse me, but I'll wait outside before you make me sick!

"You got till ten to chat and then,

I want to go. You heard me, so

You'd better make it quick!"

"I must be going too now," gulped Marie with heavy sighs.

"My heart is filled to see what's willed

Has come to pass through God, alas,

Right here, before our eyes."

"I am pleased to see that all has ended up this way;

Your beauty's here, we're filled with cheer.

"I'll close the case as proof her face

Has graced us all today!

"I'm off now," coughed Inspector Todd. "And I too," said Marie.

"If ever you are hurt or blue,

Or Kate is down, just call me 'round,

I'd help you all with glee."

They started for the door but stopped when Mrs. Crab yelled, "Wait!

The case is closed, for what it posed

To do is done: we've found the one

Whose beauty’s truly great!

"See, Katie's filled her heart with hatred, jealousy and pride;

Her soul inside was warped and died,

And every day, in some new way,

She's more alike outside.

"She's lost her beauty and her grace; her form's been overwrought.

"Her face contorts with screams and snorts;

Her every sneer has shown, my dear,

That you're the one we've sought."

"Me?" questioned Marie. "But I'm so drab and plain, I fear."

"My child, your heart is pure, to start,

And adds a grace that marks your face,

And makes your beauty clear!

"We've had our fill of pageants and her trophies by the score.

"You're calm and meek. That's what we seek!

"Not pride with strife, but love with life...

"We'll see our Kate no more."

They hugged Marie whose heart made beauty, much as Kate's was marred.

She burst in tears as all the years

Of selflessness and helplessness

Brought her its just reward.

And those that day who saw Marie, her hair unwashed, uncurled;

With smudgy nose and tattered clothes,

Could not but boast, "She is the most —

"Beautiful girl in the world!"