Once out in the road and going swiftly toward home, Suzanna pondered many things. She thought of what the old lady had said about the little silver chain binding one to another; that no one really stood alone—no one with a family, at least, Suzanna decided. It was a big thought; you could go on and on in your heart and find many places for it to fit—and then she reached her own gate and felt as always a sense of happiness. No matter how happily she had spent the day, there was always a little throb which stirred her heart when she went up the steps leading to the rather battered front door of the place she called home.
Maizie opened the door. She was as happy in beholding Suzanna returned as though weeks had parted them, for she knew Suzanna's aptitude for great adventures. Always they came to her, while another might walk forever and meet no Heralds of Romance.
"Did something happen, Suzanna?" she began eagerly.
"Yes, I found a queen and we had lunch together," Suzanna responded. "I'll tell you all about it when we're in bed."
"Are you going to play at something tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow I shall be an Only Child," said Suzanna. "Don't you remember?"
"And not my sister?" asked Maizie.
Suzanna caught the yearning in Maizie's voice.
"Well," she said, "I'll be your closest friend, Maizie."