Melanie had the best teachers and studied hard. She had little else to do. Henry watched her like a hawk watched his prey. She didn't have any friends. Henry wouldn't let her. She grew up from little girl to young lady. Her beauty was spoken of by many people. Many fathers tried to get her hand for their sons. Henry would have non of it. No one was good enough for his daughter.

Melanie felt very lonely. Martha invited other children to the Mansion, but only when Henry was at work. She felt for her daughter. This was not what she had in mind when she was younger. She wanted a happy family, but after Melanie was born, Henry lost interest in his wife. His love for her changed into a love for gold. They were rich, but it still wasn't enough. Henry wanted more and more. More wealth, more property and even more power.

--

A few summers later it was time for Melanie's 16th birthday party. It was a beautiful day and the staff of Ravenswood Manor was busy preparing a big garden party. Everybody in Thunder Mesa was invited. Melanie herself sat near a huge rosebush, waiting for him to come. A few months before her birthday she met and fell in love with a nice young man from a nearby town. They had to be secretive as Henry didn't want any suitor visiting his daughter. She waited and waited but nobody came. Finally she gave up and walked back to the house.

"What is wrong my dear? It is your birthday, you're supposed to be happy."

Melanie gave her mother a hug. "I am happy Mother. Really."

Her smile didn't convince Martha. Slowly they both walked up the stairs and to their rooms. It was time to get ready for the party.

The party was in full swing. There was food for everyone and a small orchestra played nice tunes. Melanie danced with some of her friends and asked them about her beloved. They, however could not help her. They only knew that he went hunting in the forrest. They haven't seen him since he left early that morning.

The next morning the sheriff visited Ravenswood Manor. Martha invited him in and asked if something was wrong.

"A body was found in the forest this morning. It is a young man and it looks like an accident."

"I hope you don't think we have something to do with it."

The sheriff took a sip of his coffee and bent closer to Martha. Then he whispered. "It is Melanie's beau."

Martha didn't know what to say.

The sheriff continued in a whisper "It was common knowledge in the area that they were in love. We never spoke about it. We all know how angry Henry can get when young men gets to close to his daughter."

Martha nodded and said " Poor Mel, she will be devestated when she finds out."

Martha found Melanie in her room. "Melanie darling, there is something I must tell you."

Melanie yawned and stretched. "What is it Mother? Don't tell me that we..."

"No, no it is not that. It is about your beau."

"You know?"

"Everybody does, and they kept an eye on you both. You were safe from Father."

Melanie sighted with relief. "I guess he didn't dare to face Father. I don't blame him. Nobody dares to face or contradict him."

Martha heard the sadness in her daughters voice. "I know. He was so beautiful and lovely when we met. But he became obsessed with gold. It took the beauty away from him. But I am here to talk about your beau. He went hunting yesterday morning and had an accident. The sheriff told me that he was chased up a tree by a bear, andtge bear came after him in the tree."

Melanie jumped out of bed. "NOOOO", she screamed.

Martha jumped up and hugged her sobbing daughter. For a moment all that could be heard was Melanie's crying.