Anne was grateful that Mrs. Blacke did not argue with her or further criticized her father. She nodded quietly, dropped her hand, and looked up shyly. "I... I don't know. I suppose... a new ribbon would be nice, Mrs. Blacke."

Her father wouldn't notice a new ribbon. Oh he would not like it if he knew... But would he know? When would he be home at all? Would he be angry with her for going over to the Blackes', or would he be grateful and would this feud end?

She frowned. "I'm sorry," she apologized for her hesitancy. "Please, I'm not ungrateful, Mrs. Blacke. I'm just... I'm not feeling so well..."