Norah laughed. "Well, I'll take another round, then we must go. You keep her just about here, then I shall know where to find you. Aren't you tired, though?" "Oh, not a bit." Her eyes shone like stars and there was a most delicious color in her cheeks like the dainty first ripeness of a peach. "There's a tree over there--go and sit down. I won't be long." The great tree had been cut down and there were no end of chips lying about. "Now, if I was home I'd get a basket and gather them up," said Ned. "Mother thinks they make such a splendid fire. It's odd that our fathers were out in the war together, and are real good friends. I mean to be a soldier." "But if there isn't any war?" "There'll be Indian wars until they are all cleared out. They're a treacherous lot and never keep their word. And governments need an army all the time." "But it's dreadful to fight and kill each other." "Still you have to. History is full of wars. And there were so many in the Bible times. The children of Israel had to fight so many people to get the land of Canaan that the Lord promised them. And we've been fighting for a country--that is, our fathers have--and now we've gained it. Oh, wasn't it splendid when Cornwallis surrendered. Did you hear Kirsty that morning? I thought the place was on fire." That brought grandad's face before her and she laughed. "I didn't know what it meant nor who Cornwallis was. I'm only a little girl----" "But you're awful smart to read French. Can you talk it?" "Oh, yes. Grandmother Bradin was French. They went to Ireland and then came to America, and since father has been away they have talked it a great deal more, so you see I know both." "Mother said your party was so nice. And the old grandfather was like a picture. When they drank your health you had to reply." Daffodil's face was scarlet. "I almost forgot. Norry made me say it over and over, but mother whispered and then I remembered." "Oh, I wish I could have seen you. And you are so little and pretty. I'd like to see your French grandfather. Could I come some time?" "Why, yes. And you'd like Norry so much." "Do they live with you?" "Oh, no; but it's only a little way off----" Norah came flying back. "Come," she said hurriedly. "Grandad's had a fit about you because I did not have you tucked under my wing. Why, I should have dropped you while I was dancing. Glad you've taken such good care of her;" and Norah nodded to him as she took the child by the hand. "Don't say a word about the lad, or grandad will show his claws and scratch all round." He was waiting where a path turned off. "Well, Yellow-top," he began, "so you're not lost. Had a good time?" "I was watching them dance. And they were so merry. Oh it was fine!" "No place for a little youngster like you. Norry was crazy to think of it." "I saw some other little children----" "Yes, rabble;" and the nose went up.