Bessie had gone to the fort with the children.

Betty found no one to talk to, so she tried to read.

Finding she could not become interested she threw the book aside and took up her embroidery.

This also turned out a useless effort; she got the linen hopelessly twisted and tangled, and presently she tossed this upon the table.

Throwing her shawl over her shoulders, for it was now late in the afternoon and growing chilly, she walked downstairs and out into the Yard.