Just at this point Mrs. Buffum ejaculated, “Well, as I live! ef it ain’t half-past ten o’clock,” and she commenced at once to collect her brood. All were loath to leave the joyous scene, but the lateness of the hour made it imperative. Some one proposed a song before saying good night, and soon old and young voices chimed sweetly together as they sang:—
“All the year round, all the year round,
What are the seasons to you or to me?
Summer may go, bleak winds may blow,
Roses crown winter if cheery we be.
Sounds of the glad spring, pleasures the birds bring,
These live in loving hearts where’er they’re found;
Sweet is the May time, sweet is the hay time,
So sweet are loving lips, all the year round.”
“Hooray for the apple-bee! Hooray for Miss Dayton!” shouted Reuben Jenks, “Hooray for the bagpipes and the dance!” Every one cheered, and Jotham, laughing at his friend’s enthusiasm, shouted, “Hooray for every one and everything!” and they even cheered that; so, laughing and cheering, with lively chatter and snatches of song, wraps were donned and good nights said.
After the last guest had departed, Randy turned from the doorway, and going back into the house she sat down opposite her father, a happy smile upon her lips.
“Well, Randy,” said her father, kindly, as he saw she had something to say.
“Oh, father,” she said, “doesn’t it make you happy to see every one having a good time?”
“Yes, indeed, it does,” said father and mother together.
“I mean to try always to make people happy,” said Randy.