Evangeline hesitates to inquire about the McCaffreys' children, feeling that such a question is too intimate. Her perception of Westerners is that they tend to keep their lives private and often have many secrets. She openly expresses her fear of being alone, indicating a deeper concern about loneliness.

In response, June-bug encourages her by suggesting that solitude can be beneficial. She believes that being alone can lead to profound self-discovery, and that many people go through life without gaining insight into their own thoughts and feelings. June-bug implies that in the wilderness, the opportunity for self-reflection is always available if one is observant enough.