“Yes,” Rafe agreed, “I think it would be.”
Chapter Ten.
The Magic Rose.
The days and weeks and months went on, till it was full summer time again; more than full summer indeed. For it was August, and in a day or two Rafe and Alix were to go to the seaside for several weeks. They were very pleased of course, but still there is always a little sad feeling at “going away,” especially from one’s own home, even though it is only for a short time. They went all round the garden saying good-bye, as well as to the stables and the poultry yard and all the familiar places.
Then a sudden thought struck Alix.
“Rafe,” she said—it was the very evening before they left—“do let’s say good-bye to the old garden too. And perhaps if we stood close to the corner of the wall and called through very loud, perhaps Mrs Caretaker would hear us. It seems so funny that we’ve never seen her again. I think she must be away.”
“I don’t know, I’m sure,” Rafe replied.
“I’ve sometimes had a feeling like you, Alix, that she was there all the time.”