"Yes," said Esther, "I have heard some admirable things about them."
Kenneth rose to go.
"So you'll not return to Clayton Ranch with me, Miss Bright."
He knew by the expression of her face that she preferred to go rather than to stay. But she spoke graciously:
"I have not finished my visit yet."
In a moment more Kenneth was gone.
Then a new difficulty arose. Who was to sleep with the teacher? Kate, the twins, and Kathleen, all pressed their claims. After listening to the altercation, Esther suggested that it would be necessary for her to occupy the rocking chair by Wathemah, to see that he did not injure his broken arm, and asked that she be given the privilege of watching by him throughout the night.
Then the family withdrew. Soon Esther pretended to be asleep. Occasionally the child reached out and touched her arm to make sure his Beloved was there. Then he fell asleep.
But Esther was wakeful. Why had Kenneth come for her? Was she coming to care too much for him? How would it all end? When she at last fell asleep, her dreams were troubled.