the dusk, barring the way. It was only her mother.

“Why, mothah!” she cried, relieved and overjoyed.

“Have you seen Frale?”

“Yes, mothah. He was here. Sit down and get your breath. You have climbed too fast.”

Her mother dropped into a chair and placed a small bundle on the table at her side.

“What-all is this Frale say you have told him? Have David writ fer you like Frale say? What-all have Frale been up to now? He come down creepin’ like he a half-dade man — that soft an’ quiet.”

“I’m going to David, mother. You know he sent me money to use any way I choose, and I’m going.”