Then a gathering of flowers by Ida and Miss Hurst, and one given to each of the children, with injunctions to put it in water on reaching home, and keep it as long as possible in memory of the day.
Already the sun was westering, and Litany Lane must be reached before dusk.
"Poor children!" Ida sighed to herself.

"If they had but homes to go to!" And added, in her thought, "We shall see, we shall see!" Every bit as joyous as the ride out was the return to town.

With foresight, Ida made the two youngest sit on each side of her; soon the little heads were drooping in her lap, subdued by the very weariness of bliss.

Miss Hurst had offered to accompany Ida, that she might not have to come back alone, but Ida wanted her friends all to herself, and was rewarded by the familiarity with which they gossipped to her all the way.
"Hands up, all those who _haven't_ enjoyed themselves!" she exclaimed, just as they were entering the noisy streets.
There was a moment's doubt, then a burst of merry laughter.
"Hands up, all those who would like to come again!" All held up both arms--except the two children who were asleep.
"Well, you've all been good, and I'm very pleased with you, and you _shall_ come again!" It was the culmination of the day's delight.

For the first time in their lives the children of Litany Lane and Elm Court had something to look forward to..