He was promising himself much comfort with that ribbon, when he would leave for the city next month to begin his studies and dream the summer over again.

It would help to make things tangible.
When he was dressed as other men, and at his work, he knew where he meant to home that precious bit of blue.

It should be his good-luck token, and he would wear it always to keep bright in memory the day on which the Angel had called him her knight.
How he would study, and oh, how he would sing! If only he could fulfill McLean's expectations, and make the Angel proud of him! If only he could be a real knight! He could not understand why the Angel had failed to come.

She had wanted to see their tree felled.

She would be too late if she did not arrive soon.