But
this wore off.
For years the anniversary of that fatal day, when he was brought home on
the stretcher, came back to them all as a day of gloom. But that wore
off.
Sometimes the happiness of her family seemed incredible to her,
remembering what they had all gone through. At first, their troubles were
too terrible and recent to be discussed. But even that wore off, and they
could talk of it all; and things bitter at the time became pleasant to
remember.
One midsummer day they had all dined together rather early at Albion
Villa, and sat on the lawn, with Mrs. Dodd's boy and Julia's boy and girl
playing about these ladies' knees. Now after a little silence, Mrs. Dodd,
who had been thinking quietly of many things, spoke to them all, and
said: "If my children and I had not been bosom-friends, we never should
have survived that terrible time we have passed through, my dears. Make
friends of your children, my child."
"Ah, that I will!" said Julia; and caught up the nearest brat and kissed
it impetuously: for Wifehood and Maternity had not un-Julia'd her.
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