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138 reader may remember the time when she tried it until seven a.m. The result of this approach is, she affirms, that "the longer I lie, the more lifeless I feel..." On this particular Sunday she tries something different. She bounds out of bed, quickly performs her ablutions, then takes a brisk walk around the reservoir, returning so invigorated that she thinks she will continue the plan and that it "will do me more good than medicine or bitter tonics." Having some buttermilk, and seeking a change in her diet, Ellis at this point asks and receives permission of Mrs. Wilson, her landlady, to make and share some biscuits. At the point when the treat is about ready for the oven, Mr. Wilson comes in from church and, shocked that such work should be done on Sunday, refuses to eat any. Ellis is appropriately apologetic about having performed such a sinful task in his own home but does ask him if he thinks it is more serious an infraction to prepare bread on Sunday than to prepare meat or any other food. He vehemently affirms that it is. Privately, Ellis exclaims: "Oh, what inconsistency." With no letters from Milford for some time, Ellis finally learns from him that he has been very sick and, though now quite recovered, is still weak. In a flush of maternal love, Ellis determines that by burning the midnight oil and seeking divine aid, she might finish her schooling a year earlier and be home the sooner to care for her family's needs. Upon taking her plan to Professor Bodley, she is told, "No, we require candidates for graduation to be engaged in the study of |
