She returned with a huge posy of wild flowers and the information that she, for her part, felt hungry as a hunter.… They disposed themselves to eat.
"Do you know, Uncle Copas," she asked suddenly, "why I have dragged you out here to-day?"
"Did I show myself so reluctant?" he protested; but she paid no heed to this.
"It is because I came home here to England, to St. Hospital, just a year ago this very afternoon. This is my Thanksgiving Day," added Corona solemnly.
"I am afraid there is no turkey in the hamper," said Brother Copas, pretending to search. "We must console ourselves by reflecting that the bird is out of season."
"You didn't remember the date, Uncle Copas. Did you, now?"
"I did, though." Brother Copas gazed at the running water for a space and then turned to her with a quick smile. "Why, child, of course I did!… And I appreciate the honour."
Corona nodded as she broke off a piece of crust and munched it.
"I wanted to take stock of it all. (We're dining out of doors, so please let me talk with my mouth full. I'm learning to eat slowly, like a good English girl: only it takes so much time when there's a lot to say.) Well, I've had a good time, and nobody can take that away, thank the Lord! It—it's been just heavenly."
"A good time for all of us, little maid."