Shut in and morbid as his life had been, Colin had more imagination
than she had and at least he had spent a good deal of time looking at
wonderful books and pictures.
That morning when you ran in and said It s come! It s come! , you
made me feel quite queer. It sounded as if things were coming with a
great procession and big bursts and wafts of music. I ve a picture like
it in one of my books crowds of lovely people and children with
garlands and branches with blossoms on them, everyone laughing and
dancing and crowding and playing on pipes. That was why I said,
Perhaps we shall hear golden trumpets and told you to throw open the
window.
How funny! said Mary. That s really just what it feels like. And if
all the flowers and leaves and green things and birds and wild
creatures danced past at once, what a crowd it would be! I m sure
they d dance and sing and flute and that would be the wafts of music.
They both laughed but it was not because the idea was laughable but
because they both so liked it.
A little later the nurse made Colin ready. She noticed that instead of
lying like a log while his clothes were put on he sat up and made some
efforts to help himself, and he talked and laughed with Mary all the
time.
This is one of his good days, sir, she said to Dr. Craven, who
dropped in to inspect him. He s in such good spirits that it makes him
stronger.
I ll call in again later in the afternoon, after he has come in, said
Dr. Craven. I must see how the going out agrees with him. I wish, in
a very low voice, that he would let you go with him.
I d rather give up the case this moment, sir, than even stay here
while it s suggested, answered the nurse. With sudden firmness.
I hadn t really decided to suggest it, said the doctor, with his
slight nervousness. We ll try the experiment. Dickon s a lad I d trust
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