On her dresser he had left a note: "I am sorry, dear--it was all my fault.

I was a fool--a clumsy fool.
But remember there is plenty of time--and be certain absolutely that everything will be all right." She read it more than once that day, and it helped her prepare for the evening.

When Joe came home and took her in his arms, she knew at once that he meant her to feel there was nothing to be afraid of.
"I've got to be down at the office tonight," was all he said.

But in his voice, low, kind and reassuring, like that of a big brother, there was a promise which gave her a thrill of gratitude and deep relief.
With it came some self-reproach, which caused her again to struggle, alone, and then go to Amy's room to sleep.

She lay listening there for hours, carefully holding herself in check.