"Daddy, as long as there are so many going--and weddings are jollier when there are a lot of people--can't we take Sheila, too? She's never been any further from the city than Hill-top and she's always so contented and happy and's never teasing for things the way I am! Just think how she'd look when she saw the ocean! I have so much more fun than she does, Daddy, I'd just as soon stay home if she could go in my place!"
And Pat, thinking how Sheila's face would look when she first beheld the great sweep of deep, blue sea, was very much in earnest.
Mr. Everett patted the pleading face. He did not smile for he had been deeply touched by Pat's generosity.
"Yes, daughter, Sheila shall go, too."
"Oh, Daddy, you are the best daddy in the world! Let's run straight over and tell her, Ren! Think how happy she'll be!"
From the library window Aunt Pen and Mr. Everett watched the two girls, arms interlocked, swing down the walk that led from the Everett house to the street. There was pride in Aunt Pen's face as she watched. Her girls had learned generosity and unselfishness as well as Latin and Algebra! And they had found, too, the joy of fellowship! They were hurrying now to share their happiness!
Mr. Everett was thinking the same thoughts as his sister, but looking slyly at her from the corner of his eye, he repeated teasingly:
"Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?
Silver bells and cockle shells----"
Aunt Pen laughingly interrupted: "And larkspur all in a row! But won't this world's garden be richer and more beautiful for healthy, happy girls like ours, Daddy Everett?"
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