“My husband will take you all the way,” she said to Hazel, who rose reluctantly from the floor. The child went to her room, took the roses out of the water, dried their stems and tied them together with a bit of thread from her traveling bag. They would be a comfort, she thought, in the dirty train. Then putting on her hat and coat she went down stairs.
It was hard to say good-bye to her new friends. The children clung to her and Mrs. Jenks invited her to make them a visit when she returned in the spring. “You haven’t been a bit of trouble,” she answered in reply to Hazel’s thanks for her hospitality. “I wish I could keep you over night.”
Hazel wished the same in her heart, but she only said good-bye again and returned to the railroad station.
“Let me have your check,” Mr. Jenks said. “And have you the money for your ticket?”
“Yes,” answered Hazel, and with a feeling of pride, she took the money needed from her leather purse. The business of ticket and trunk accomplished, the two took their seats in the car and were soon moving out into the big world.
“It isn’t far now, is it?” asked Hazel when they had traveled for an hour and a half.
“No,” her companion replied, “we shall soon be at the station; and then we drive three miles to your grandmother’s.”
The station was reached at last, and when they got out Hazel met a colored man whom Mr. Jenks called John, and whom he seemed to know very well. John took the check for Hazel’s trunk, and placed the luggage on the back of his wagon. Then giving the reins to Mr. Jenks, he walked away.
“See you right soon,” he called.
“I’m to drive you. Jump in,” Mr. Jenks commanded, and Hazel climbed to the seat by his side.