After tea the organ struck up again, and again there was dancing on
the lawn. Then a gathering of flowers by Ida and Miss Hurst, and one
given to each of the children, with injunctions to put it in water
on reaching home, and keep it as long as possible in memory of the
day. Already the sun was westering, and Litany Lane must be reached
before dusk.
"Poor children!" Ida sighed to herself. "If they had but homes to go
to!" And added, in her thought, "We shall see, we shall see!"
Every bit as joyous as the ride out was the return to town. With
foresight, Ida made the two youngest sit on each side of her; soon
the little heads were drooping in her lap, subdued by the very
weariness of bliss. Miss Hurst had offered to accompany Ida, that
she might not have to come back alone, but Ida wanted her friends
all to herself, and was rewarded by the familiarity with which they
gossipped to her all the way.
"Hands up, all those who _haven't_ enjoyed themselves!" she
exclaimed, just as they were entering the noisy streets.
There was a moment's doubt, then a burst of merry laughter.
"Hands up, all those who would like to come again!"
All held up both arms--except the two children who were asleep.
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