She stood in the back door watching the sky for moths, but they did not seem to be very numerous.

Her spirits sank and she breathed unevenly.

Then she heard the front screen.

She reached the middle door as Elnora touched the foot of the stairs.
"Hurry, and get ready, Elnora," she said.

"Your supper is almost spoiled now." Elnora closed the stair door behind her, and for the first time in her life, threw the heavy lever which barred out anyone from down stairs.
Mrs.Comstock heard the thud, and knew what it meant.