Anthony was delayed, somewhat, in starting out with Captain Stubbs by the news that Miss Matthews was worse.
He found her with a high fever, and he also found Bettina in a state of agitated apology.
"I'm afraid I talked to her too late. But we—we were afraid of the storm."
"She'll be all right in a few hours, but you've got to get some rest. I'll send a nurse."
"No—Sophie said she would come—early this afternoon—and then I can sleep—and I've had little naps on the couch——"
As he turned to go he stopped and said, with some hesitation: "You didn't write the letter to the Big Bear, Betty."
She blushed. "I'm not going to write it."
"Why not?"
"Because—I've changed my mind about it—I've really nothing to tell you—and every woman has a right to change her mind."
She tried to say it saucily, but was not successful, and he, vaguely relieved, responded, "I'm glad—that you are not troubled," kissed her lightly on her forehead, and went away. And she looked after him and sighed, and wondered if all the years which stretched before them would be as dreary as this.