She did not say much, then, but the expression of
relief and delight upon her face was indication sufficient. She did
ask a number of questions: Why had Emily come then, so long before her
school closed? How was it that she could leave her teaching? Why hadn't
she written? And many others.
Miss Howes answered the questions one after the other. She had come in
May because she found that she could come.
"I meant to come the very first moment it was possible for me to do so,"
she said. "I have been more interested in this new project of yours,
Auntie, than anything else in the world. You knew that; I told you
so before I left and I have written it many times since. I came now
because--well, because--you mustn't be alarmed, Auntie; there is nothing
to be frightened about--but the school committee seemed to feel that I
needed a change and rest. They seemed to think that I was not as well as
I should be, that I was tired, was wearing myself out; that is the way
they expressed it. It was absurd, of course, I am perfectly well. But
when they came to me and told me that they had decided to give me a
vacation, with pay, until next fall, and even longer if I felt that I
needed it, you may be sure I didn't refuse their kind offer. I thanked
them and said yes before they could have changed their minds, even if
they had wished to. They said I should go into the country. That was
just where I wanted to go, and so here I am, IN the country. Aren't you
glad?"
"Glad! Don't talk! But, Emily, if you ain't well, don't you think--"
"I am well.
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