“Why, of course not! Ask it, child,” smiled Aunt Selina.
“Well, you look so happy, you know, I thought maybe that soldier-man came back to marry you—maybe his being shot was all a mistake and he has been a prisoner all this time and just got away,” said Dot with horror and awe in her tones.
Mrs. Talmage had stepped out just in time to overhear the funny little girl’s remark and she had to run inside and smother her laughter in a handkerchief, for Dot was most serious in her statement, and it would never do to make her feel badly by laughing at her sympathy.
“Oh, no, dearie, those prisons were abandoned soon after the war. But this surprise I have for the Blue Birds is entirely different from anything personal,” replied Aunt Selina.
“Oh, what is it?” asked several voices.
“I have a letter here,” said Aunt Selina, taking it from her reticule, “in reply to one I wrote an old-time friend a short time ago. This friend started an advertising business in Philadelphia many years ago and has been very successful. Let us see what advice this friend gives about securing contracts for advertising.”
The Blue Birds hovered about Aunt Selina’s chair eager to hear the letter read.
The letter was short, but to the point. Mr. Sphere said he was delighted to hear from his old friend and hoped his information would give her little friends the satisfaction they deserved for their undertaking. He said that one of his best representatives had been told to call at Mossy Glen to interview the Blue Birds and to do just as the ladies directed. This man would tell them how to get advertising.
“Oh, Flutey! is that all he said?” murmured Ruth.
“Why, I don’t call that such a piece of ‘happy’ news to smile over as you did!” pouted Dot.