He turned to see his boy, changed even during the short separation--but
stronger, more beautiful, a veritable princeling--holding out his eager
little arms. And his boy, standing alone in the great hallway of the
home of their ancestors, welcomed Jim to his own. As he held the child
close to him, his eyes searched for Diana, and as the boy rained kisses
on his face, Jim said:
"Cousin Di--where is she?"
The child smiled, and, slipping down to the ground, took hold of his
father's hand and started to draw him down the corridor that led to the
garden.
"Cousin Di is waiting for you in the Fairies' Corner," said the child.
"We go there to play, you know, and listen for the fairies."
Jim did not speak, but the child prattled on as he led him across the
green grass, past the swaying, flaunting hollyhocks and the beds of
old-fashioned, fragrant flowers that lined the walks. The songs of
birds filled the air--linnet, lark, and thrush seemed carolling a
welcome to him. But Jim hardly heard what the boy said. He could see
only the waving tree-tops of the mysterious Corner in the distance.
"Cousin Di!" the child called, as he ran ahead to herald his father's
coming.
Beyond, the path and garden were bathed in strong sunlight; the heavens
were full of drifting azure clouds. Over all was the dazzling,
bewildering glory of the noonday splendor, and before Jim stood Diana, a
gracious figure, at the entrance to the enchanted spot. On her face a
tender love answered all that his eyes asked. Behind her he could see
deep into the Fairies' Corner; in there all was peaceful; only golden
cobwebs of sunlight dappled the leaves and scattered the enshrouding
gloom.
Neither Jim nor Diana spoke. The boy's attention was claimed by a
vivacious wag-tail that chirruped at his feet, then fluttered away to be
pursued by him. Once he turned to smile back a reassurance of his joy at
his father's return, but he could not see him.
Diana and Jim had entered the Fairies' Corner, and this time they heard
the flutter of wings--the wings of their love as it enfolded them in its
peace and holy joy.