and now, during this
one of all the critical periods in her life the most important, Elizabeth
desired to be with her, but Mrs. Farnshaw demanded uncompromisingly that
her daughter come home at that time. There was no escaping Mrs. Farnshaw's
demands on her children, and, troubled and uncertain, Elizabeth pondered
and snuggled closer to the man who was to deliver her from them.

The pair drove to the new house before going to the Hornbys' for the rest
of the day. John ceased to be fretful, and by the time for leaving had
arrived, Elizabeth had forgotten that he had ever been so. That evening
Aunt Susan was told of the engagement, and having divined its arrival, she
was able to hide any misgivings she had about it. Besides, not having
anything upon which to fasten her objections to John Hunter, she was wise
enough to know that love must have its way, and when Elizabeth pictured
the life that awaited her, her lover's good points, and her satisfaction
rang out in a song of glad notes with no hint of apprehension, the older
woman tried to enter into the spirit of the hour.

Elizabeth was certain she could meet John Hunter's moods as the occasion
required. No doubts assailed her about the future life except where John's
mother was concerned. When Elizabeth got to that point in her reflections
she stopped short without speaking of the matter and announced her
intention of going to bed. Elizabeth Farnshaw loved John Hunter devotedly,
but his mother was another matter. There was a strong undercurrent of
anxiety whenever Mrs. Hunter had to be considered. The nearer the time
came for her arrival, the more the girl dreaded meeting her. Elizabeth was
loyal to John, however, and Susan Hornby was given no hint of that dread.

Mrs. Hunter came west the last week of school, and when John was so busy
getting her and her household goods settled that Elizabeth did not see him
the entire week, it was like a stab to the sensitive girl. Filled with a
natural sense of good-byes to all that she had known and loved in the
work, the impending changes in her life took on a troubled air when John
failed to come as usual and did not account for the delay. By some
psychological process Susan Hornby's misgivings began to be transferred to
Elizabeth's mind. Always as they sewed together Elizabeth was tempted to
talk about the subject, but something held her back. Often Susan Hornby,
who suspected her troubled state of mind, was moved to ask questions