She loved the night
fragrances, and the rustle of the dead leaves as lazy little winds
stirred them.

They came very soon to Drusilla's home. David alighted, unwound Suzanna,
lifted her down to the ground very carefully, Graham following slowly.
David tied his horse, gave the animal a comradely pat, bade the dog
remain in the cart, and then the three went on to the house. The door
opened immediately for them, a light streaming out from within. The
sweet-faced maid, Letty, who had been crying, ushered them in.

"I'll wait downstairs," said David.

Letty nodded, and with the children went upstairs.

They stopped when they reached the open doorway of Drusilla's bedroom.
And seated in a big velvet chair, as usual drawn near the window, though
the shade was pulled straight down, pillows heaped all about her, sat
Drusilla. Her face seemed small, oh, pitiably small, with bright eyes
quite too large for their place. But someway Suzanna, looking in, knew
that Drusilla was happy.

Perhaps because, kneeling beside her, his head buried in her lap, was
her son.

Her thin fingers strayed through his hair, and her tremulous voice
murmured to him just as it had when as a very small, very penitent boy
he had knelt in the same way, sure of her understanding, very, very sure
of her love.

The picture remained for the moment, then the man kneeling, stirred and
rose to his feet. He stood looking down at his mother, till impelled by
a sound in the doorway he turned and saw the children.

They came forward then into the softly lighted room.

"Drusilla!" Suzanna cried, going straight to the frail figure seated in
the velvet chair. "You wanted to see me, didn't you?"

"I did that, little girl," Drusilla answered. "I wanted to tell you that
the land of sunshine and love is close at hand where I shall meet my
king and be parted no more."

"And where you'll reign queen?" cried Suzanna, delighted.

The old head flung itself up; the faded eyes blazed; the frail figure
straightened itself. "Ay, queen!" She turned to Graham, who had
approached and stood regarding her, his boyish face agleam with love and
a little longing, and a little sadness, for he knew better than Suzanna
the great change at hand. "Who stands there?" she asked.

He answered at once: "A courtier, my Queen."

She smiled. "Approach closer then," she said with a wave of her hand.
But her eyes were on Suzanna. "My favorite princess," she said softly,
letting her hand