He sold out his interests in New Salem--an act not at all necessary if he were going only on a visit, and which in the light of after events had much significance--telling Anne that it was his hope to bring his father and mother back with him and establish them upon his farm.

"This done," he said, "we will be married." He then set out on his journey.
It was late in the summer before Anne heard from him.

He explained that he had been taken ill with chills and fever on the way, and had been long delayed in getting home.

But the long wait had been a great strain upon Anne.

Lincoln, meanwhile, had become the postmaster in New Salem, and it was to him that Anne came to inquire for letters.