“Well, no matter. I'll let you know if any word comes from your father. But, promise me this, Lem—you won't run away until you let me know. I won't tell. Will you promise that?”
“Yes.”
“And come to me any time you want to. If you get into trouble, come to me. Any night or any day. I'll always sit here awhile after the others go. You'll do that—come to me if you are in trouble?”
“Yes.”
“Then you'd better go. It's very late.”
“All right.”
The boy dropped over the edge of the porch. For a minute or two longer Henrietta sat; then she went in.