Easter Eve was fast approaching. Hester could scarcely wait for the day to come, for she was in the class that had been asked to decorate the church for the Easter services. And then, Marian had invited the little helpers to tea with her afterwards.
Saturday, the anxiously expected day, arrived at last. Hester was up bright and early. There were many things to do before going to the church, for her mother gave her certain duties to perform each day.
On entering her mother’s room she was distressed to see a very tired, care-worn expression on the sweet face.
“Why, mother, what is the trouble?” asked the little girl.
“Trouble enough, child,” answered her mother. “Here are all those guests invited, telephone and door bell to answer, and Elsie with a sick baby wants to go home directly after dinner to be with her. But I just don’t see how I can spare her. If only Agatha would help me, but she has her practicing. Oh, dear! I just don’t know what to do!”
Hester did not answer. She walked across the room and looked out of the window. From across the hall came the sweet sound of her sister’s voice as she practiced her Easter anthems. Agatha’s voice was beautiful. Hester stood listening with a very thoughtful expression on her young face. Suddenly she turned and came up to where her mother was standing and said:
“Couldn’t I stay, mother, and answer the door bell and do other things? I feel sure I could, and then Elsie could go home to her baby.”
“Why, child, of course you could; but I thought you were to help decorate, and then Marian has invited you to her house this afternoon, hasn’t she?”
“Yes, mother, but I can give that up, and think how happy Elsie will be. May I run and tell her, mother?”
“You are a dear little girl,” answered her mother. “I thought your heart was set on that Easter decorating. Yes—run along; I am sure Elsie will be grateful.”