Suddenly Molly spoke, slowly and softly.
"Mildred, I am very happy," she said. "If I had all the money in the world, do you know what I would do with it?"
"No. What?" Mildred took her hand and leaned over her. She did not answer immediately. She was looking at the far away horizon beyond the blue hills, where the softly fading light was turning the sunset sky into a land of purple and gold. Presently she said:—
"I would buy up all the birds in the world that are in cages—every one—and set them free." Mildred looked at her in vague wonder.
"Mildred, what is Easter?" she asked suddenly. Mildred was astonished. The idea of any one not knowing what Easter was!
"Why Easter was the time when——" She paused to find just the word she wanted, and as it did not come to her mind she began to think what Easter really was. It was harder to explain than she had thought. Of course, she knew; but she just could not remember exactly all about it. Oh! Yes——
"Why Easter is the time when you have nice things—a new dress and don't have to give up butter or candy, or any thing you want to eat—don't you know?"
This was beyond Molly's experience. She did not know. Mildred was not satisfied with her explanation. She added to it. "Why, it's the day Christ rose from the dead—Don't you know?"
"Is that a fairy tale?" asked Molly.
"No, of course not; it's the truth." Mildred looked much shocked. Molly looked a little disappointed.