How nice it was of them to welcome him in this way!
After awhile the handshaking was over, and the mayor was able to get a
few minutes with Archie. "We are all very proud of what you have
accomplished," he said, "and we want to give you a public reception
to-morrow night in the town hall, if you don't object." Archie stared
blankly at the mayor, and it was several moments before he realised
the meaning of the words. Then he was almost overcome. It was almost
too good to be true, it seemed, but he warmly thanked the mayor, and
told him how he appreciated the honour which they had done him. He
said that he would be glad to attend the reception.
The crowd was scattering now, and Archie, wild to reach home, took his
mother to a carriage, in which they drove rapidly out to the little
house among the trees and arbours. The old town looked beautiful in
every way. The great maple and oak trees along the road were green
with new leaves, and every dooryard was bright with snowballs and
yellow roses. "This is the very best time of the year," he said to his
mother, "and I am the very happiest boy in all the world."
"And I am the happiest mother," was the answer. Then they sat in
silence until they reached the old home. They entered by the kitchen
door, and, once inside, and seated in the old cane rocking-chair,
Archie bowed his head in tears of joy at being home with mother once
again.
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