"Like our school, Aunt Pen?"
"Yes, and I hope that all my girls there will work as faithfully as you have, Pat!"
"And I'll be the man-of-all-work around the place and chief executioner, when you need one!" declared Capt. Allan, mischievously.
Mr. Everett shook hands gravely with his sister.
"All I say is success to you--my dear, whatever you try to do!"
There seemed to be so much to talk about that no one wanted to break up the little circle. However, the hands of the old clock over the fireplace were climbing rapidly toward noon and Renée was eager to take Emile to the grandmother's. Pat begged to go, too. As they started away, Renée holding tightly to Emile's hand, Aunt Pen, watching the boy, wiped a suspicion of a tear from her eye.
Capt. Allan saw it and answered the thought that was in her mind.
"He's a brave boy and has a strong will--he'll learn to do his work with his one arm! But before anything else he must stay in the open until he has built up his strength and wiped from his mind forever the horror of all he has gone through!"
The old stone house did not look at all ugly and gloomy in the bright morning sunshine! And for Renée and Emile it took on a new interest--it was to be their home! There were signs of life, too, about the place. The windows had been opened and from the back of the house came sounds of vigorous beating. As they walked slowly up the brick path Renée suddenly darted in among the wild honeysuckle growing close on either side of the door.
"Emile--see! A daffodil!"