CHAPTER XIX ALICE was softly crooning to herself as her mother turned the corner of the house and approached through the dusk. "Isn't it the most beautiful evening!" the daugh- ter said. "Why can't summer last all year? Did you ever know a lovelier twilight than this, mama?" Mrs. Adams laughed, and answered, "Not since I was your age, I expect." Alice was wistful at once. "Don't they stay beauti- ful after my age?" "Well, it's not the same thing." "Isn't it? Not--ever?" "You may have a different kind from mine," the mother said, a little sadly. "I think you will, Alice. You deserves-----" "No, I don't. I don't deserve anything, and I know it. But I'm getting a great deal these day-- more than I ever dreamed could come to me. I'm-- I'm pretty happy, mama!" -307- |