Someone had drawn out a large paper chart from back of the piano and now it stood in the center of the room. Upon it the visitors saw the words of the song plainly written for all to read or learn by heart.
The pianist played the air over once and some of the children hummed it eagerly. Then they all stood up and sang.
It was “The Song of Love” and as the childish voices filled the place and echoed from the woods and vale, Uncle Ben felt that this was one way to introduce universal peace and brotherhood. However could such a motley gathering of city waifs, whose parents most likely came from every known country in Europe, return home feeling the same in mind and soul as before spending this summer at Happy Hills! He knew it was impossible, and that every child singing there that night must be benefited permanently by the words and music of such songs as Miss Selina had purposely selected.
Uncle Ben made another great discovery during that singing, but he made no mention of it at the time. He was determined to investigate the matter well before taking others into his secret.
Little Mother Maggie, because she had to keep her little family quiet and in order during the singing, generally sat at the back of the class. Uncle Ben sat directly beside her and so made his discovery.
When the Even Song was ended, the children trooped to their different Nests to retire for the night. Uncle Ben asked the Blue Birds and Bobolinks to escort Aunt Selina home while he helped Maggie with the little ones. This they eagerly agreed to do. So Maggie was delighted to have Uncle Ben walk to the Nest with her.
“Maggie, you seem to have your hands full with so many children,” ventured Uncle Ben, after they had left the hall.
“Yes, sir, but dey’ll grow big some day an’ den I kin help myself.”
“What do you mean—help yourself?”
“I means, dat den I kin do somethin’ what I wants to fer myself,” replied Maggie.