two
in the evening
It was a grievous trial to Gerty to learn that the Graham 's were about to go into the country for the summer . Mr. Graham had a pleasant residence about six miles from Boston , to which he resorted as soon as the planting season commenced ; for though devoted to business during the winter , he had of late years allowed himself much relaxation during the summer ; and ledgers and day-books were to be supplanted by the delights of gardening . Emily promised Gerty that she should pass a day with her when the weather was fine ; a visit which Gerty enjoyed three months in anticipation , and more than three in retrospection . It was some compensation for Emily 's absence that , as the days got long , Willie was often able to leave the shop and come home for an hour or two in the evening ; and Willie 's visits always tended to comfort Gerty . It was one pleasant evening in April that Gerty , who had been to see Miss Graham and bid her good-bye , before her departure for the country , stood at the back part of the yard , weeping bitterly . She held in her hand a book and a new slate , Emily 's parting gifts ; but she had not removed the wrapper from the one , and the other was bedewed with tears . She was so full of grief that she did not hear any one approach , until a hand was placed upon each of her shoulders ; and , as she turned round , she found herself encircled by Willie 's arms , and face to face with Willie 's sunny countenance .