know why I am back, and why I am living alone save for the servants;
and some don't approve. That the once charity child who lived at the
asylum should now own Tree Hill is something of a trial, and that it
could happen without their knowledge or consent is grievous unto them.
But they have been so good to me, all the old friends; are glad, they
say, to have me back, and I am so happy to be back. There have been
changes, but not many. The mills and factories have brought new people,
some of the old ones have died, the little ones grown up, several have
married and gone away to live, but it is the same sunshiny little place,
and I love it. In the months spent with Miss Gibbie, waiting for Tree
Hill to be made ready to live in, there was the restless feeling that
belongs to temporary arrangement, but now I am home; here to live and
work, and the only shadow is that the big and little Aldens are not
here, too. And what a relief to Miss Gibbie to be once more by herself!
I couldn't keep people away, and I was constantly afraid she would take
a broom and sweep them out. How she does hate to have people in her
house unless she sends for them! Man may not have been meant to live
alone, but Miss Gibbie was--"

The rustle of skirts made her look up, and quickly she was on her feet,
her arms around her visitor's waist, cheek pressed close to cheek.

"Oh, dear, I am so glad you've come. I was going--"

"To choke me, crush me, knock me down and sit on me, were you?
Well, you're to do nothing of the kind. And it's too hot to embrace.
Stand straight and let me look at you. How did you sleep last night?"

"I don't know. Wasn't awake long enough to find out. Oh, Miss Gibbie,
if you were a little girl I'd play all around the green grass with you!