It all seemed as vividly real as though she could still feel the friendly contact.
On the next morning, Ruloff alone of all the village's population went to work.

For it was Labor Day.
Ruloff did not believe in holidays,--either for himself or for his family.

And while wages were so high he was not minded to throw away a full day's earnings, just for the sake of honoring a holiday ordained in a country for which he felt no fondness or other interest.

So, with Sonya tagging after him, he made his way to the Place, as usual.
Now, on Labor Day, of that year, was held the annual outdoor dog-show at Hawthorne.

Lad, of course, was far too old to be taken to a show.
And this was one of the compensations of old age.