"'When the days are gloomy,
Sing some happy song,
Meet the world's repining
With a courage strong;
"'Go with faith undaunted
Thro' the ills of life,
Scatter smiles and sunshine
O'er its toil and strife,'"
piped Peace, staring at the waving plumes of lavender above her head.
"'Sca-atter sunshine all along your wa-ay,
Cheer and bless and bri-ighten—'"
The song ceased in the midst of the chorus.
The big blue eyes flashed open and the lame girl demanded in surprise. "Why did you stop?"
"Oh," breathed Peace, a look of great relief passing over her face, "I thought sure you'd gone to sleep and I wouldn't get my lilacs after all."
"You little goosie! I don't go to sleep that easily. Sing the chorus again for me, and then Hicks shall cut all the flowers you can carry."
"He better begin now, then, 'cause the chorus ain't long and it sounds 'sif Elspeth was calling me. I've been out of sight from the parsonage quite a spell and likely she's getting anxious. Besides, Glen may be awake and wanting me."
"Very well," she laughed. "Hicks shall begin right away. See, there he comes with his basket and scissors. Now sing."