It never struck Winona to try to amuse or entertain her aunt.

At her present crude stage of development she was incapable of appreciating the subtle pathos that clings round elderly lives, and their wistful longing to be included in the experiences of the rising generation.

Shyness and lack of perception held her silent, and the empty corner in Aunt Harriet's heart went unfilled.
Saturday and Sunday were the only days upon which Winona had time to feel homesick.

Her mother had at first suggested her returning to Highfield for the week ends, but Miss Beach had strongly vetoed the project on the justifiable ground that even the earliest train from Ashbourne on Monday mornings did not reach Seaton till 9.30, so that Winona would lose the first hour's lesson of her school week.

She might have added that she considered such frequent home visits would prove highly unsettling and interfere greatly with her work, but for once she refrained from stating her frank opinion, probably deeming the other argument sufficient, and willing to spare Mrs.Woodward's feelings.
Letters from Highfield showed little change in the usual conduct of family affairs.