Aunt Selina was so pleased at Sally’s answer that she told her to help Ruth telegraph at once for the car. Sally bowed and hurried away to the telephone where the message was sent to Greenfields to be wired to Mrs. Talmage.
The rest of the day was spent in pleasant excitement, with Ruth and her aunt wondering what to pack in the small steamer trunk, while the whole household felt the unusual stir of their mistress’ going away for a visit.
That evening an answering telegram came saying that Ike would leave Oakdale at dawn in the morning so as to get to Happy Hills by noon. If they were ready to start back at once they could arrive at Mossy Glen before night set in.
Ruth was so joyous over the happy termination of her visit that she could hardly stand still long enough for Sally to tie her hair ribbon. As for Aunt Selina, she looked from her bedroom windows before retiring, anxiously scanning the sky for any possible rain clouds. She felt as excited as a child over its first journey away from home. Seeing the sky a deep blue with myriads of stars gleaming down at her, she smiled and turned out the light.
Ike arrived earlier than expected, for he made record time from Oakdale.
“Ike, do the Blue Birds know I’m coming?” she asked.
“Sure thing, Miss Ruth,” replied Ike.
“And Ned—did he miss me?” queried the little girl.
“Master Ned, he went ’round like a bear wid a sore head. He was just lost without the head of the Blue Birds,” grinned Ike.
“And mother—and Ike, father? Did father wonder why I left without seeing him,” half-whispered Ruth.