Jessie obeyed and they sank together on a mossy mound, a few stately oaks and maples whispering welcome; for they were jealous trees, and had begrudged the central grove its throng of happy children, the merry scene just visible from their topmost boughs.
"I've got awful good news for you, Jessie," Madeline began ardently, after a momentary struggle as to how she should introduce the subject.
"What's it about?" Jessie asked, her eyes opening wide.
"It's about your mother," answered Madeline.
Jessie looked gravely at the other.
"Anything about the tarts?" she enquired earnestly, her mind still absorbed with the tragedy.
"No, no—of course it's not about anything like that. It's about her eyes—I'm pretty sure they're going to get well."
Jessie's own were dancing. "Who said so? Why? Tell me quick."
"Well, I know all about everything," Madeline replied, importantly. "I know about you wanting to take her to the doctor in the city—and she's going to go," she affirmed conclusively.
"When?" Jessie demanded swiftly.