[CHAPTER XXXIII]
Father and Mother’s Surprise
“PERHAPS you suspected, Mother dear,” said Mary Frances after showing the radishes and lettuce, and telling about the garden lessons Billy had taught her. “Perhaps you and Father suspected we were gardening.”
“We had an idea that something was being done in that line,” smiled her mother, “but we did just as you requested. We didn’t try to find out.”
“Wasn’t that dear!” exclaimed Eleanor. “I think Mary Frances has such wonderful experiences!”
“She has had a happy life,” said the mother, looking sympathetically at Mary Frances’ little friend, for Eleanor’s mother had died two years before.
Only for a few moments did the tears stand in Eleanor’s eyes, then she said:
“Mary Frances has been so good about sharing her splendid times with me. Do you remember the cooking lessons, and the sewing lessons, and Mrs. Paper Doll’s housekeeping lessons, girlie?”