But, oh, I do so wonder what's going on down there.

I'm so excited over-- * * * * * _One week later_.
At just that minute Mother came into the room.

I wish you could have seen her.

My stars, but she looked pretty!--with her shining eyes and the lovely pink in her cheeks.

And _young_! Honestly, I believe she looked younger than I did that minute.
She just came and put her arms around me and kissed me; and I saw then that her eyes were all misty with tears.