The Story of My Childhood
125
needed and earnestly desired, and so painfully lacking.
November found us home again. Under the circumstances, there must naturally be a share of social gayeties during the winter, and some preparations for my new school duties; and I waited with more or less apprehension for what would be my first life among strangers, and the coming of my anticipated "First of May." With slight variation I could have joined truthfully in the dear old child refrain:
"Then wake and call me early,
Call me early, mother dear,"
For that will be the veriest day
"Of all the glad New Year."
