The months since her father's death spread into the second year before Stephen began to realise the loneliness of her life.

She had no companion now but her aunt; and though the old lady adored her, and she returned her love in full, the mere years between them made impossible the companionship that youth craves.

Miss Rowly's life was in the past.
Stephen's was in the future.

And loneliness is a feeling which comes unbidden to a heart.
Stephen felt her loneliness all round.

In old days Harold was always within hail, and companionship of equal age and understanding was available.