She did not want to meet the book agent.
Eliph' waited a respectable minute and then rang the bell again, although he had little belief that this would bring Miss Sally to the door.

It is good form to ring the bell of the front door several times, before going to the back door, for it may be that the lady of the house is dressing, or is hastily taking the folded paper "curlers" out of her front hair, or slipping on her "other skirt" before admitting the visitor.

Few indeed are the front doors in Iowa that open promptly to a knock or a ring.

Primping time must be allowed, ad if this, followed by a second ring or knock, does not open the door, nothing but business permits the visitor to go to the back door.

Having waited, Eliph' went to the back door.