A letter from old Dick, writ the very first day.

That's what I call real courtin' like," and Andy gave to Ethelyn the letter which John had brought from the office and which the detention of a train at Stafford for four hours had afforded Richard an opportunity to write.
It was only a few lines, meant for her alone, but Ethelyn's cheek didn't redden as she read them, or her eyes brighten one whit.

Richard was well, she said, explaining to Andy the reason for his writing, and then she put the letter away, while Andy sat looking at her, wondering what he should say next.

He had come up to comfort her, but found it hard to begin.

Ethie was looking very pale, and there were dark rings around her eyes, showing that she suffered, even if Mrs.Markham did assert there was nothing ailed her but spleen.
At last Andy blurted out: "I am sorry for you, Ethelyn, for I know it must be bad to have your man go off and leave you all alone, when you wanted to go with him.