“Every day if you wish, and play with her here, too, under the trees.”
“What were the dates that the scholars were saying in unison?” the mother asked.
“One was the date on which the beautiful Statue of Liberty came from France with its motto, ‘Liberty Enlightening the World.’”
“Just what we were talking about, dear,” said the mother thoughtfully. “Ever since its arrival, it has been wreathed with loving, and often poetic thought, and I am glad that our schools are asking you to remember the dates of great events.
“While we are staying here she can go to school with you every day, and you are welcome here, too, among Aida’s flowers!”
CHAPTER VIII
A SURPRISE
Winter had really come at last, the snowflakes had covered the brown fields, and time was fast hastening on to bring the great day of all the year, Christmas day. Aida had sent gifts that she knew they would like, their Uncle had brought them some gifts from Paris, and this special friend of theirs had her own plan, that made her smile to herself, when she thought how Edwy loved things that he could pet and fondle and call his own. The other presents had all been sent early to their city home, and messages of thanks had been sent back, but the question had been flashed back to the senders:
“Why didn’t you come yourselves? Christmas day is never Christmas day, unless you are here!”
But it was almost over, and, as yet, not any sign of the rest of the group as the slow hours passed.
All at once there was a loud sound of tramping in the hall, then a shout of welcome in the air, and Edwy hoped it might be one person ... no, two, whom he loved, and who loved him. And sure enough, he was not disappointed. Aida was there, and right behind her Edwy’s friend appeared on the scene, all trim and fine, her eyes full of love; and before they knew it, she had made a pounce upon Edwy, and the next moment had him in her arms.