They went at once, and Judith settled down to her loneliness as best she could, and bore it as bravely. They were to be gone a month—perhaps two—perhaps three. A month—two, maybe—three, maybe—without Blossom!
Uncle Jem and Jemmy Three helped out—how much they did help out! Then there were the rare, precious letters. Judith had never had letters from mother before in all her sixteen years. She was rather disappointed that there were no bits of ragged, printed ones from Blossom, but mother’s letters had Blossom-bulletins. Blossom sent her love, Blossom had heard two hand-organs—three hand-organs; Blossom said tell Judy she loved her, oh, my! Blossom was very patient and sweet.
“She’s always patient and sweet,” wondered Judy. Queer mother put that in!
“You little sweet, patient Blossom!” Judith’s heart cried tenderly, “when I get you in my arms again—”
Would the time ever come? Why were days made so long? Twenty-four hours were too many—why weren’t they made with only twenty?
“Uncle Jem, why don’t you tell me how to be sweet and patient?” Judith said, folding up the Blossom-bulletin she had been reading to him. “Tell me a good receipt.”
“Well, deary—well, give me time,” laughed the cheery old voice. “I guess we can fix up somethin’ that will meet your case.”
A very few weeks later Judith went wearily homeward to her lonely home. She had been out to her traps and down to the hotel with the lobsters for Mrs. Ben. Her body was weary, but her heart was wearier still. It did seem, she was telling herself as she plodded through the sand, as if she could not wait any longer for mother and Blossom to come home.
Suddenly a clear little trill of laughter crept into her ears and set her pulses throbbing. Then another trill—then Blossom’s voice, calling something that thrilled her to her soul.
“See me!” called the little triumphant voice of Blossom. And Judy, lifting frightened eyes and holding her breath as she looked, saw. A small, swaying figure was coming toward her very slowly, over the hard sand. Blossom—it was Blossom! She was swaying unsteadily a step or two, but—she was walking!