For the first time in his short life he had been awake all night and he moved slowly.
The housekeeper opened the door.

Ike held up an envelope, clutched in a grimy hand.
"It's for you, Mrs.Keziah," he said.

"Gracie, she sent it.

There ain't no answer." Keziah took the letter.

"How is she?
And how's Nat ?" she asked.
"They're doin' pretty well, so ma says.