When the Arden Bledsoe Company of Shakespearean Players concluded their engagement at the Savannah Theatre in Chippewa Square on Saturday night, Sarah sighed with relief and also with pity for her sister; for during that Saturday and the day following Lauretta gave evidence of much distress of soul. She sighed and shook her head and looked abstracted; she paced about; and often she did not respond if a question was put to her.

When the three ladies had retired to their rooms on the Saturday night and Sarah had prepared herself for bed and blown out her candle, she heard sounds of weeping from Lauretta’s room, which was next door to her own. She went quickly on tiptoe into the hall, not needing a light, so familiar was the way, so often had each gone in the night to visit the other on errands more trivial than serious.

When she went in, Lauretta was startled into stopping her crying and blowing out her candle in the same breath.

“Lauretta dear, I heard you through the wall. Are you unhappy?”

“I am sorry I disturbed you,” Lauretta answered in a voice unnaturally loud with the effort of her response.

“You didn’t disturb me; I wasn’t asleep. Is it about Mr. Savage?”

“If you must know, Sarah—”

“Not ‘must.’ I want to know because you are dear to me.”

“Yes; Mr. Savage,” Lauretta said curtly.

Sarah moved toward her in the dark. “You are still dressed.”

“I was just going to make ready for bed.”

“Let me help you.” Sarah put an arm around Lauretta’s shoulder in a sisterly way, but Lauretta shrugged free.

“I am capable of going to bed without assistance.”

“I am sorry,” Sarah said meekly. “I haven’t meant to intrude. I only felt concerned for you… Are the Bledsoe Players now to move on?”

There was a pause before Lauretta answered. “Earliest tomorrow morning, I believe. They are to begin the journey to Atlanta at six o’clock, by stages.”

“Dear Lauretta. I can imagine how you feel, but surely it is best that you—”

“Don’t, Sarah!” Lauretta exclaimed. “I cannot, I will not discuss it further with you. Not now.”

“I am sorry. I have been clumsy.” She went to the door but before opening it said, “If you should want company, or if you require anything at all during the night, you have only to call. I shall hear.”

“Good night, Sarah!”