“Mutterchen,” she whispered, and knew not that she said “mother dear,” in German; “they are looking at us.”
The mother, older and wiser, looked both ways on life, to the past and to the future. Not only had her heart massed the longing and sadness of dreary years and flung it to the winds in this instant of glad discovery; she was also planning for the future. No wonder she had no eyes for people, time, or place; for anything but this miracle of happiness; her child was found!
But once recalled, her innate courtesy prompted the kind course. With a long embrace that held the pent tenderness of years, she released Ida, and they went quietly in. After the other guests had gone Mrs. Schmitz told her story to the rejoicing Wrights, Max, and Billy and his mother.
She wished to take Ida home with her that very night, but was surprised with opposition.
“I think I should stay where I am till the end of the semester. That is only a week or so; and it will inconvenience Mrs. Patton for me to go away now.”
“But what will she do in summer time? Seedney tells me summer times you work for money to buy your clothes.”
“Yes, but that is all planned for. When school closes they are going to the country; they have made their arrangements.”
“So? Well, then I’ll hire a good servant to take your place.”