Since she arrived home, she’d read through her course material more than once. Next week seniors at Allenwood would take their final examinations in preparation for Friday’s commencement. She’d been so close. Mama strolled in from the kitchen and took a chair opposite Luellen. “The house is quiet with Franklin and Lily back in Springfield.” “David makes up for their absence.” “He has been fussy, hasn’t he?” Luellen winced. Mama didn’t look pleased. “I hope he hasn’t disturbed your rest.” “Well, last night I confess Papa and I were both awakened.” “James, too, I imagine. He looked tired at breakfast.” She scooped her books into a stack on one corner of the dining room table. “I don’t think my presence is helping Papa now that he’s up and around. Having James with him spares him house visits at all hours, but my son interrupting his sleep could cause a setback.”
