Anne followed Mrs. Blacke downstairs, quiet, anxious, and despondent. The choice weighed heavily on her. As did the feeling that she had offended Mrs. Blacke. She had said she wanted a ribbon before but had not dared to repeat that just now. But now she worried that Mrs. Blacke thought her cold. Did she feel twice rejected now? Anne bit back her tears.

Eager to restore the relationship, Anne approached the woman when they were downstairs, and gave her another hug. "Thank you for all your care, Mrs. Blacke," she said, mentally begging the woman not to push her away.