It was not until early afternoon the next day that a dreadful old car clanked up Elm Street and stopped in front of the brick house. A hatless man sprang from it and rushed up the steps. The bell was rung as it had never been rung before — vehemently, intensely. The ringer was demanding entrance, not asking it. Uncle Benjamin chuckled as he hurried to the door. Uncle Benjamin had “just dropped in” to enquire how dear Doss — Valancy was. Dear Doss — Valancy, he had been informed, was the same. She had come down for breakfast — which she didn’t eat — gone back to her room, come down for dinner — which she didn’t eat — gone back to her room. That was all. She had not talked. And she had been let, kindly, considerately, alone.

“Very good.