Dear Philip: 

I find that I am never going to be able to answer your question of this afternoon fairly to all of us, when you are with me.  So I am going away a few weeks to think over matters alone.  I shall not tell you, or even mother, where I am going, but I shall be safe, well cared for, and happy.  Please go back home and live among your friends, just as you always have done, and on or before the first of September, I will write you where I am, and what I have decided.  Please do not blame Edith Carr for this, and do not avoid her.  I hope you will call on her and be friends.  I think she is very sorry, and covets your friendship at least.  Until September, then, as ever,

Elnora.

Mrs. Comstock’s note was much the same.  Philip was ill with disappointment.  In the arbour he laid his head on the table, among the implements of Elnora’s loved work, and gulped down dry sobs he could not restrain.  Mrs. Comstock never had liked him so well.  Her hand involuntarily crept toward his dark head, then she drew back.  Elnora would not want her to do anything whatever to influence him.

“What am I going to do to convince Edith Carr that I do not love her, and Elnora that I am hers?” he demanded.

“I guess you have to figure that out yourself,” said Mrs. Comstock.  “I’d be glad to help you if I could, but it seems to be up to you.”

Philip sat a long time in silence.  “Well, I have decided!” he said abruptly.  “Are you perfectly sure Elnora had plenty of money and a safe place to go?”

“Absolutely!” answered Mrs. Comstock.  “She has been taking care of herself ever since she was born, and she always has come out all right, so far; I’ll stake all I’m worth on it, that she always will.  I don’t know where she is, but I’m not going to worry about her safety.”

“I can’t help worrying!” cried Philip.  “I can think of fifty things that may happen to her when she thinks she is safe.  This is distracting!  First, I am going to run up to see my father.  Then, I’ll let you know what we have decided.  Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Nothing!” said Mrs. Comstock.

But the desire to do something for him was so strong with her she scarcely could keep her lips closed or her hands quiet.  She longed to tell him what Edith Carr had said, how it had affected Elnora, and to comfort him as she felt she could.  But loyalty to the girl held her.  If Elnora truly felt that she could not decide until Edith Carr was convinced, then Edith Carr would have to yield or triumph.  It rested with Philip.  So Mrs. Comstock kept silent, while Philip took the night limited, a bitterly disappointed man.

By noon the next day he was in his father’s offices.  They had a long conference, but did not arrive at much until the elder Ammon suggested sending for Polly.  Anything that might have happened could be explained after Polly had told of the private conference between Edith and Elnora.