This letter was very far from being a categorical answer to Lawrence’s questions, and it disappointed and somewhat annoyed that gentleman; but after he had read it for the second time, and carefully considered it, he put it in his pocket and said to himself, “This ends all discussion of this subject.  Mr Keswick may be right in the position he takes, or he may be wrong.  He may go to Midbranch; he may get his explanation; and he may send it to me.  But, without any regard to what he does, or says, or writes, I shall go to Miss March as soon as I am able to use my ankle, and, whether she be at her uncle’s house, or whether she has gone to New York, or to any other place, I shall see her, and, myself, obtain from her an explanation of this acceptance.  This is due to me as well as to Mr Keswick, and if he thinks he ought to get it, for himself, I also think I ought to get it, for myself.”

The good results of Lawrence’s great care in regard to his injured ankle soon began to show themselves.  The joint had slowly but steadily regained its strength and usual healthy condition; and Lawrence now found that he could walk about without the assistance of his rude crutch.  He was still prudent, however, and took but very short walks, and in these he leaned upon his trusty cane.  The charming autumn days, which often come to Virginia in late October and early November, were now at their best.  Day after day, the sun shone brightly, but there was in the air an invigorating coolness, which made its radiance something to be sought for and not avoided.

It was just after dinner, and it was Saturday afternoon, when Miss Annie announced that she was going to see old Aunt Patsy, whom she had somewhat neglected of late.

“May I go with you?” said Lawrence.

Miss Annie shook her head doubtfully.  “I should be very glad to have your company,” she said, “but I am afraid it will be entirely too much of a walk for you.  The days are so short that the sun will be low before we could get back, and if you should be tired, it would not do for you to sit down and rest, at that time of day.”

“I believe,” said Lawrence, “that my ankle is quite strong enough for me to walk to Aunt Patsy’s and back, without sitting down to rest.  I would be very glad to go with you, and I would like, too, to see that venerable colored woman again.”

“Well,” said Miss Annie, “if you really think you can walk so far, it will be very nice indeed to have you go, but you ought to feel very sure that it will not hurt you.”

“Come along,” said Lawrence, taking up his hat and cane.

After a man has been shut up, as Lawrence had been, a pleasant ramble like this is a most delightful change, and he did not hesitate to manifest his pleasure.  This touched the very sensitive soul of his companion, and with such a sparkle of talk did she evince her gratification, that almost any one would have been able to see that she was a young lady who had an earnest sympathy with those who had undergone afflictions, but were now freed from them.