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The Turn of the Tide
The Story of How Margaret Solved Her Problem
By ELEANOR H. PORTER
Author of
“Pollyanna: The Glad Book,”
Trade Mark Trade Mark
“Cross Currents,” “The Story of Marco,” Etc.
With Four Illustrations
By FRANK T. MERRILL
A. L. BURT COMPANY
Publishers New York
Published by Arrangements with The Page Company
To my husband
whose cordial interest in my work
is always a
source of inspiration
ILLUSTRATIONS
| “Mrs. Kendall placed in her hands a great red rose” Frontispiece | 13 |
| “For a time Margaret regarded him with troubled eyes” | 66 |
| “A mob of small boys had found an object upon which to vent their wildest mischief” | 158 |
| “Margaret crossed the room and touched the man’s shoulder” | 244 |
9The Turn of the Tide
CHAPTER I
Margaret had been home two hours—twohours of breathless questions, answers,tears, and laughter—two hoursof delighted wandering about the house andgrounds.
In the nursery she had seen the little woollydog that lay on the floor just as she had left itfive years before; and out on the veranda stepsshe had seen the great stone lions that had neverquite faded from her memory. And always ather side had walked the sweet-faced lady of herdreams, only now the lady was very real, witheyes that smiled on one so lovingly, and lips andhands that kissed and caressed one so tenderly.
“And this is home—my home?” Margaretasked in unbelieving wonder.
“Yes, dear,” answered Mrs. Kendall.10
“And you are my mother, and I am MargaretKendall, your little girl?”
“Yes.”
“And the little dog on the floor—that wasmine, and—and it’s been there ever since?”
“Yes, ever since you left it there long ago. I—Icould