"I am a stranger.

Do you know that being a stranger is the hardest thing that can happen to any one in all this world ?" "Then why don't you open your doors, invite your neighbours in, go to see them, and stop your father from saying such dreadful things ?" "They are not my doors," she said, "and could you keep your father from saying anything he chooses ?" I stood and blinked at her.

Of course I wouldn't even dare try that.
"I'm so sorry," was all I could think to say.
I couldn't ask her to come to our house.

I knew no one wanted her.
But if I couldn't speak for the others, surely I might for myself.

I let go the willows and went to the door.