“‘May I brush out your hair and braid it?’ asked Elsie.
“‘Yes, in a minute. Let’s go down stairs and look at all the doors and windows again.’
“The fastening on every door and window was tried anew. We were locked in. The world was locked out. I did not look out again at the fire-flies.
“I sat down before the bureau while Elsie stood behind me and brushed and braided my long hair; doing my hair would comfort her if anything could.
“But what would comfort me?
“My Daily Light I had put in my satchel; I liked to have it open on my bureau; it was bound in soft leather, two volumes in one: I found the date, August XV., in the Evening Hour.
“‘Read aloud,’ said Elsie.
“My glance caught the large type at the head of the page. My heart beat fast, the tears started, but I cleared my throat and read unconcernedly: ‘I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.’
“‘Read it again,’ said Elsie, brushing softly. I read it again. Elsie undressed and crept into bed.
“‘You didn’t say your prayers,’ I remonstrated.