She had thought all of them came from cases spun on trees or against walls or boards.

She had seen only enough to know that there were such things; as a flash of white told her that an ermine was on her premises, or a sharp "buzzzzz" warned her of a rattler.
So it was from creatures like that Elnora had secured her school money.
In one sickening sweep there rushed into the heart of the woman a full realization of the width of the gulf that separated her from her child.
Lately many things had pointed toward it, none more plainly than when Elnora, like a reincarnation of her father, had stood fearlessly before a large city audience and played with even greater skill than he, on what Mrs.Comstock felt very certain was his violin.

But that little crawling creature of earth, crushed by her before its splendid yellow and lavender wings could spread and carry it into the mystery of night, had performed a miracle.
"We are nearer strangers to each other than we are with any of the neighbours," she muttered.
So one of the Almighty's most delicate and beautiful creations was sacrificed without fulfilling the law, yet none of its species ever served so glorious a cause, for at last Mrs.Comstock's inner vision had cleared.

She went through the cabin mechanically.

Every few minutes she glanced toward the back walk to see if Elnora were coming.