"It seems ages since you went away," she said, and pointing to the flowers, "I hoped to get these all on the table."
"My dear," interjected Young, "you're the rarest blossom of them all."
Tess was used to his compliments, and she loved them, as she loved the birds and the friendly sunshine.
"For that, sir," she laughed, "you'll have to help me pick 'em up."
While they were gathering together the scattered bouquet, they heard a stamping down the stairs.
"Boy couldn't hardly stand it till you came," smiled Tess, opening the hall door.
A small avalanche of concentrated eagerness piled out of the house.
"Uncle Forrie! Uncle Forrie!" cried Boy, swarming upon him. "I'm awful glad you're home."
"Now, then," said the lawyer after dinner, "I think our little mister here ought to crawl into bed.... Well, one more romp, then bye-bye. Eh?"