Presently she heard the popping noise of firecrackers, and Carleau barking madly in the door yard: and she remembered that it was July first, Dominion Day, a legal holiday all over the great country of Canada since 1867. There would be no work done by the English, and the trolley cars would bring numerous picnic parties out to the countryside: and the Dudley family were going to have great doings. They had tried to tell her about it last night, but her mind was still centered on Quebec. By the time she had finished her breakfast and was out in the morning sunshine, she gazed with rapture at the Dudley's house. First of all, the Union Jack was flying from a tall flag staff, then the piazza was draped with red, white, and blue; all the posts were wound with red, and strings of Chinese lanterns were dancing in the wind. She was told that there was to be a children's party and she was to come over to it, and they would like her to sing a little song, as there was to be an entertainment with the piazza for a stage. "You are to sing in French. Our governess says that will make a pleasing variety," explained the children. "Here is what I am to recite," demonstrated Queenie Dudley, making a deep bow toward Oisette: "Four fingers, a thumb, on each little hand; Make five jolly holidays all through the land, Victoria Day comes first, Dominion Day with its noise, Then Thanksgiving and Christmas for girls and for boys, Then comes the New Year, brimful of good cheer, Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year." "But that is not suited to the summertime," objected her brother. "Father taught you that for a Christmas party. You should have learned a new one by this time." "Bosh," said young Queenie, "you always recite the same old thing, every party we have or go to. You just make your bow and say: "Speaking pieces. What's the use, I'd like to know? Getting up before so many when it scares a fellow so!" Presently the piano was moved close to the window, and the governess played some tunes and told the children to let her hear them sing. They all joined in with a will, and sang "The Maple Leaf, the Maple Leaf Forever"; and "Oh, Canada." When they had sung this once through in English, she coaxed Oisette Mary to repeat it alone in French, which she did in a very winning manner. All day long on Dominion Day these children romped together. Oisette felt it was good to be home with her dear little neighbors again; and when at last, tired out after the party, she went home and nestled down in her little bed she said an extra little prayer of gratitude to Our Lady for giving her such a happy first day home, and then, tucking the rosary under her pillow, she was soon asleep. * * * * *