But sleep did not come at her invitation.

She found herself wide awake, keenly sensitive to the sputtering of the camp fire, the tinkling of bells on the rams, the bleating of lambs, the sough of wind in the pines, and the hungry sharp bark of coyotes off in the distance.

Darkness was no respecter of her pride.

The lonesome night with its emphasis of solitude seemed to induce clamoring and strange thoughts, a confusing ensemble of all those that had annoyed her during the daytime.

Not for long hours did sheer weariness bring her to slumber.
Ellen awakened late and failed of her usual alacrity.