Eldridge solemnly reads your valentine, gazes into your eyes and says, "Emily, dearest Emily, if there were ever a wife for me, you she should be." He leans over and shyly kisses your cheek.

"I shall keep this close to my heart for all of my days."

Then, with a sparkle in his eyes, he lets loose a rippling peal of laughter, scoops you up in his arms, and throws you over his shoulder. He runs you home through the snow to the Homestead, where Father paces impatiently, his face about to break, so deep runs his scowl.

"I leave you with one precocious daughter, Mr. Dickinson, Sir!" Eldridge exclaims, depositing you gently at the door.

After Eldridge leaves, Father forbids you to see him again; not that it matters, for soon enough Father expels Eldridge from the firm; he moves to Iowa, a bachelor to the death.