The Bobolink Boys had to make a galley proof of the printing, and the Blue Birds had to read it (or at least their mothers did) and construct the dummy. This last work was great fun.
Every evening fathers and mothers visited the Publishing House and the Winter Nest and assisted where they could, or watched progress when they were not needed; after every meeting it became the custom for one or the other of the fathers to treat the publishing company and guests to refreshments. This, Don thought, was reward enough for every aching back or arm. To keep the children from tiring of the treats, the fathers planned each morning, while going into the city, just what new kind of a surprise to furnish that night.
The interest shown at first had not abated--possibly due to the fact that so much fun was always to be had from unexpected sources--and the two men from the city said it was a marvel that children could produce such splendid work.
"Goodness! those Bobolinks ought to! they spent heaps and heaps of time fooling with those machines to learn how to work 'em!" said Dot Starr, overhearing what the men said.
"And just see how the fathers help!" added Norma.
"I guess the magazine wouldn't be much of a paper if the Blue Birds hadn't done their part so well," said May.
"And the Blue Birds' mothers!" reminded Ruth.
The Blue Birds were sitting on the steps of the piazza waiting for Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina to join them, when Dot told them of the "city-man's" commendation of the work.
"Here comes Flutey, now," said Ruth, hearing the slow steps of her aunt.
"Well, Blue Birds, how's the song this morning?" cried Aunt Selina, happily.
The children all turned with one accord and looked at her. Some great happiness must have been sent her, for she was bubbling over with secret joy and her face looked as young as one of the Blue Bird's. She took a chair near the children.
"Say, Flutey, you won't be offended if I ask you a very happy question, will you?" asked Dot, in a half-whisper.
"Why, of course not! Ask it, child," smiled Aunt Selina.
"Well, you look so happy, you know, I thought maybe _that_ soldier-man came back to marry you--maybe his being shot was all a mistake and he has been a prisoner all this time and just got away," said Dot with horror and awe in her tones.