And one happy, happy day for Fleuriss, Eepersip led her safely home again.
"Good-bye, Fleuriss," she said. "I'm sorry you wouldn't stay with me."
"Yes, I know, Eepersip, but I just couldn't. Why don't you come home—you've been away so long?—and Mother cries for you still. Please come."
"Oh, Fleuriss, I couldn't. If I were to go back home now, I should just die—even with you."
"Good-bye, then. Sometime I'm going to take Mother to see that beautiful hill."
"But not for a long time?"
"As soon as I can."
"Don't."
"Why?"
"You know. Please don't."
"Well, I'm not sure. I'm going to—pretty soon. Good-bye, Eepersip—Aren't you ever coming home?"
"Oh, Fleuriss, no!"
"I wish you would."
"But I can't."
"Won't you let me take Mother and Daddy to live over there?"
"Well, after a while—if you want to. I shan't be there."
