"It is so near the end er the term, why not let her stay at home, mother?"
Even Aunt Prudence interceded for her, and Prue's joy was unbounded when she was told that she might consider that her vacation had commenced.
Randy and Prue sat under the shadow of the blossoming branches
The day after Randy's return was bright and sunny, and with little Prue she wandered beneath the sweet scented apple blossoms drinking in their beauty, and wondering if in all the world there was a fairer place than the orchard with its wealth of bloom, when suddenly Prue exclaimed,
"You're 'most as glad to see me as anybody, Randy?
"Me 'n Tabby is just 'special glad you've got home." The little eyes looked anxiously up into Randy's face.
"You precious little sister," Randy answered, "I've been longing all winter to see you, and when I have sat before the fire with Miss Dayton on a stormy afternoon I have wished that Tabby with her paws tucked in, sat blinking at the flames. There is no one, Prue, whom I am more truly glad to see than you."
While Randy and Prue were in the orchard, Mrs. Hodgkins "ran in fer a chat," as she expressed it.