As she got up to go to bed, she picked up the bag in which they brought the mail and felt in it to see if anything were left. A small narrow book that opened endwise and had the name of the Bank of Colebyville on it was all. It was a fitting end to her considerations. She had never owned a checkbook till recent years. Because of its presence, she might yet be able to answer John Hunter as he wished. She thought long on her situation. There was no sleep in her. The larger, the universal, aspects of the question began to crowd in upon her mind.
“There is no other way,” she said. “A woman, to be free, must have money of her own. She must not be supported by a man.”
She stepped out on the porch and stood looking toward the east. The refreshing breeze which had sprung up cooled and invigorated her.
“The wind before the dawn! The beginning of a new day!” she said aloud.
Turning toward the kitchen, she began to pack a box which stood waiting on the end of the kitchen table. Doughnuts, cookies and pies had been left there to cool the evening before. Mrs. Farnshaw was to have threshers to cook for to-day, and Elizabeth had grown thoughtful of the mother, who was aging visibly. In such ways as she could, she spared her mother’s strength and gave her the comfort of frequent visits and companionship. In order to get the long eight-mile drive over before it became hot, it was necessary to get an early start, and Elizabeth, with Jack at her side, was on the road before the sun was fairly above the horizon.
About eight o’clock Mrs. Farnshaw turned at the sound of their feet on her doorstep. She set her cob basket on the floor, put the stove lid over the roaring fire, and turned to Jack with grandmotherly delight.
“You’re a real comfort, Lizzie,” she said, straightening up with Jack in her arms. “I never used t’ think you would be, but you are. I’m that tired that I’m ready t’ drop.”
“Anything more than usual?” Elizabeth asked, noting the fagged and heavy face, and the gathering tears.
“Oh, nothin’ more ’n ’as happened many a time; only ’e grows crosser, seems to me, as ’e grows older. He was particular bad last night, and I didn’t sleep none. It’s awful hot weather t’ lay awake.”