When at the head of the stairway she returned and without saying a word kissed her parents again.
When she was gone, the parents looked at each other and shook their heads.

They knew that Viola was feeling keenly on account of something but felt that her cheerful nature would soon throw it off.

But the blade was in her heart deeper than they knew.

Viola entered her room, fastening the door behind her.

She went to her desk, secured the three letters that she had written and placed them on the floor a few inches apart in a position where they would attract immediate attention upon entering the room.