Anne Douglas Read Online Free PDF

What you’re seeing are something called bracts – they’re leaves that bear flowers. And these remind some people of doves’ wings and they call the tree the Dove Tree. But others think they look like handkerchiefs, and they call it the Handkerchief Tree. Which is what my father calls it and he has one in our garden – that’s how I know about it.’
    ‘It’s beautiful,’ Shona said, her large eyes still dwelling on the tree. ‘I’m glad you showed it to me.’
    ‘I wanted to. I thought it might take your mind off your troubles – at least for a little while.’
    ‘It has. I do feel a bit better.’
    ‘Time’s what matters. With every day that passes, things will get easier, I promise you.’
    She nodded, turning away. ‘I must go back now. Hope no one’s missed me.’
    ‘We’ll walk back together. I have to see if Dad’s ready to go yet.’
    ‘Do you think you’ll come here again – to see people?’
    ‘No. I’m in Glasgow, mostly, at the university medical school. Just happened to be here this weekend when Dad had this unusual case – rheumatic fever with complications. He’s arranging for the patient to be admitted to hospital.’
    ‘Oh.’ Shona shivered, thinking maybe her troubles were not so bad compared with those of the poor orphan facing hospital. And it was true, she did feel a little better anyway, having seen that beautiful tree.
    ‘Is it foreign?’ she asked, as they neared the house. ‘The Handkerchief Tree?’
    ‘Yes, it comes from China. The first specimens were brought over in 1904. Folk probably thought they wouldn’t survive, but they did. See how well the tree’s done here, and ours is the same. My dad’s pride and joy.’ Mark grinned. ‘And here’s my dad now.’
    An older man with a look of his son, except that his shock of hair was grey not brown, was coming out of the front door, a medical bag in his hand.
    ‘Good timing, Mark!’ he cried. ‘Let’s get the car.’ His eyes moved to Shona, now desperately trying to remember how to get back to the side door, and he gave a kindly smile. ‘But who’s this?’
    ‘This is Shona,’ said Mark. ‘She’s feeling a wee bit homesick, and I’ve been showing her the Handkerchief Tree to cheer her up.’
    ‘And I’ll bet it did, eh? Grand fighter, that tree. Shona, I’ll wish you all the best. You’re in good hands here, I can assure you. Now, we’d better go.’
    ‘Good luck!’ Mark called, waving his hand. ‘Remember what I told you.’
    As the two Lindsays, father and son, made their way down the drive, Cassie came running round the side of the house to grasp Shona by the arm
    ‘There you are! I thought you’d come back in, I’ve been trying to find you. Miss Anderson wants to see you – better no’ keep her waiting.’
    ‘Just tell me where to find the side door,’ said Shona.

Nine
    Miss Anderson, young and bright, seemed nice enough, if a little brisk in manner, but had so much to explain of life at the Lodge that Shona found her eyes glazing and longed to go to bed, even in the dormitory that had depressed her. So much to take in! So many rules and regulations! So many duties, from cleaning wash basins to serving porridge, from remembering to put your laundry out at certain times to making your bed before breakfast and not after.
    As for going to school, a special effort must be made at all times to look clean and tidy with well-polished shoes, so as not to let down the Lodge’s reputation. For Shona’s first morning, Miss Anderson herself would escort her and see to the formalities.
    ‘Be ready tomorrow at half past eight, sharp,’ she ordered, ‘and we’ll walk along with the others. It isn’t far, just down Murrayfield Road. A very nice school with a very good headmaster. You’ll do well, I’m sure. But now, it’s been a long day for you and I think it’s time you were away to your bed. I’ll check later to see that you have everything you need.’
    ‘Thank you, Miss