"What is?"
"Haven't you ever heard? Love is the saddest of all."
A ray of light fell like a sword between them, and a sharp rap on the window at their backs made them fly to their feet. Turning, they saw Mrs. Gano's face against the pane. She had lifted a corner of the blind, and was beckoning with imperious hand.
"I must go," whispered Val; and she vanished.
Ethan walked up and down till the early bed hour, listening to the rain and to the sound of An' Jerusha's crooning.
CHAPTER XXIV
Emmie had begun to teach a class in the Infant Sunday-school. She would go off soon after breakfast, the others following an hour or so later, and meeting her at morning service.
"I don't think I'll go to-day," said Ethan the subsequent Sunday. "Why don't you take a holiday, too?"