“Oh, don’t work this afternoon,” Hazel cried jumping up and down. “Play with me, won’t you please play with me? I do want you to play with me, Granny, just one day.” And before four o’clock Hazel had her way and the two were sitting in their best gowns. “Much like fools,” Granny said.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” Hazel cried suddenly, and ran from the cabin door down the road. Granny waited a minute or two and then went to the porch to look out. Coming up the road was a little procession led by Hazel, with Scipio in the rear; between were three little girls and two little boys. They all marched solemnly to the porch where Granny stood.
“Now,” commanded Hazel, and the children sang:
“Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, Aunt Ellen,
Happy birthday to you.”
Granny looked the children over; but she did not ask them in.
“It’s your birthday, Granny,” Hazel said, her voice shaking with excitement. “I chose to-day for your birthday.”
The old woman glanced at Hazel without smiling and held herself very erect. She felt that they were making game of her.