The unaccustomed separation had seemed much longer and harder to bear than they had imagined, but it was all over now, she was back and would be theirs now for all time to come.
Bruno suggested that they should divide up their mother's time between them to-day.

This would make it possible for all to get her hearing separately.

In all this time a great deal of matter had accumulated which was crying to be heard.

If they were all to talk to her at once, as had happened several times before, no one would have any satisfaction, as she might not even be able to understand them.

So it was settled that every child should have their mother alone for an hour, and they were to take their turns according to age.
"So of course the first hour after school from eleven till twelve belongs to me," was Bruno's statement.
"From one till two I shall have my turn," Mea cried out.