They ate as only hungry children can eat.
“Here comes Father—just in time for dessert,” cried Billy suddenly, and all ran to meet him.
They reached home before dark, and were welcomed by a smiling mother.
“Our wild flower picnic was a success after all,” Mary Frances said, kissing her and giving her the beautiful flowers.
THE girls were in Mary Frances’ mother’s room whispering to her the story of their experience with Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Bouncing Bet.
“Wasn’t it wonderful?” Eleanor clapped her hands softly. “Oh, I am so glad I could share Mary Frances’ pleasure!”
“I am as glad as Eleanor,” Mary Frances said. “I wish every girl and boy, too, could have seen and heard what we did!”
“So do I, dear,” said her mother. “Shall you ask Billy to help you plant the seeds of the wild flowers?” she asked.
“If you think, Mother dear, it wouldn’t be a wrong story to simply tell him that we got the seeds in the woods?”
“I think that would be all right,” replied her mother.
“What about Eleanor’s package?” asked Mary Frances. “Shall she keep it until she goes home to plant in her own garden?”
Her mother hesitated. “I may as well tell you, girls. I have a wonderful surprise for you, myself.”
“Sit down, then,” she said, and they took their low chairs to her knee.
“This is my secret. Our dear old friend, Eleanor’s father, has to go away on business—maybe he will be gone a year—and Eleanor is to come live with us.”
“Oh, how lovely!” cried Mary Frances, throwing her arms about her friend’s neck and kissing her.
“I’m so glad,” she said. “I shall miss Father terribly, but if you and Mary Frances’ father just adopt me for a while, it will be something like having my own dear father and mother. What about Bob? Do you know where he is to be?”
“Yes, dear child,” smiled Mary Frances’ mother; “that is another pleasant surprise. Bob is to go away to school with Billy.”
“Oh, will he study gardening?” cried Eleanor.
“He will, if he wishes, your father said.”
“Isn’t that grand!” Eleanor was enthusiastic—then her face suddenly clouded.
“Not until the middle of September, Eleanor. He and Bob are to come visit us the first of the month, and you are to be with us from now on.”
“You’re to be my sister!” Mary Frances laughed.
