But only Ellen's letter came.
"She's sorry I am ill!" said Stephen to himself. He closed his eyes and Miss Knowlton thought that he was drowsy. She treated him now like a loved infant.
"Would you like to go sleepy by?"
Under his breath Stephen said, "Curses on the tribe!"
By leaving at this moment Miss Knowlton missed another great crisis.
"I shall send for Ellen," said a certain Stephen.
"You shall not send for her," said another Stephen. "She is young, lovely, she must be free."
"But I will."
"Oh, no, you won't! You are old, maimed, forlorn."
"But she'll come!"