Blue’s word was to be obeyed, and the first time that the strange boy passed the doorway alone Doodles let go his friendly greeting.
The lad turned quickly, showed two rows of exceedingly white teeth in a pleased smile, and responded with a soft, “’llo!”
“Will you come in and see me?” invited Doodles politely.
The boy halted and again flashed his bright smile. “I come—t’anks!” He stepped over the threshold, and stood hesitant, his mobile face tender with sympathy at sight of the helplessness of the occupant of the pillowed chair.
Before Doodles could speak, Caruso began his musical welcome, and the stranger did not move or shift his gaze from the singer until the little song was ended. Then he turned to Doodles, aglow with appreciation. His slim little hands made quick gestures as he came near. “Nice! nice!” he smiled, hunting through his small stock of English for a better word. “He sing—nice!”
“I think he does,” Doodles responded happily. “I wish he’d sing ‘Annie Laurie.’—Caruso!”
The bird answered promptly, and at once Doodles began softly the old song, carrying it through to the end of the verse. Then Caruso with a few trills, struck into the same air.
Doodles watched the visitor’s face, as the bird sang; nobody had ever listened to Caruso’s singing with that look. It was wonder, admiration, and joy, it was more than that—Doodles could not tell what it was. But he felt that the new boy appreciated his bird’s singing, and he was glad.
When the stranger turned, his eyes had a far-away look in them, as if he were still hearing music. Then came that brilliant smile.
“I—love heem!” pointing to Caruso. “I—no talk good. I—learn Eengleesh—I go school one, two, t’ree,” counting on his fingers—he shook his head sadly, and sighed. The word would not come. “One, two, t’ree,” he repeated, and halted again.