The interest shown at first had not abated—possibly due to the fact that so much fun was always to be had from unexpected sources—and the two men from the city said it was a marvel that children could produce such splendid work.
“Goodness! those Bobolinks ought to! they spent heaps and heaps of time fooling with those machines to learn how to work ’em!” said Dot Starr, overhearing what the men said.
“And just see how the fathers help!” added Norma.
“I guess the magazine wouldn’t be much of a paper if the Blue Birds hadn’t done their part so well,” said May.
“And the Blue Birds’ mothers!” reminded Ruth.
The Blue Birds were sitting on the steps of the piazza waiting for Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina to join them, when Dot told them of the “city-man’s” commendation of the work.
“Here comes Flutey, now,” said Ruth, hearing the slow steps of her aunt.
“Well, Blue Birds, how’s the song this morning?” cried Aunt Selina, happily.
The children all turned with one accord and looked at her. Some great happiness must have been sent her, for she was bubbling over with secret joy and her face looked as young as one of the Blue Bird’s. She took a chair near the children.
“Say, Flutey, you won’t be offended if I ask you a very happy question, will you?” asked Dot, in a half-whisper.