If it was up to Anne, she'd never let go. Here in Mrs. Blacke's embrace was the one place where she felt perfectly calm, perfectly save. All the cares of the world could not follow her across the Blackes' doorstep. Here she was loved, unconditionally, uncomplicated. Here to love was easy. She could already feel her tired muscles relax.

"Oh, oh yes of course," Anne said, when Mrs. Blacke ended the hug at last and told her to come in to show off her outfit. "Oh." Her hands reached up to her hatless hat. She picked up the hat from the floor, before following Mrs. Blacke in. "You've been so very generous, Mrs. Blacke. I will never be able to thank you enough! I've never worn anything I loved so much." And loved all the more for the love with which it had been selected for her and sent. It was like carrying a little with of Mrs. Blacke with her.