When hit's dark, they're out on the river a-giggin' for fish.
Well, I reckon I'll be a-goin' in, now, ma'm," she concluded, with a yawn.

"Ain't no use in a body stayin' up when there ain't nothin' ter do but ter sleep, as I kin see." With an awkward return to Auntie Sue's "Goodnight and sweet dreams, dear," the mountain girl went into the house.
For an hour longer, the old gentlewoman sat on the porch of her little log house by the river, looking out over the moonlit scene.

Nor did she now, as when she had watched the sunset, crave human companionship.

In spirit, she was far from all earthly needs or cares,--where no troubled thoughts could disturb her serene peace and her dearest dreams were real.
The missing letter was forgotten..