d I think one of them needs some medical attention. Come to the
Settlement and see her before she starts. And you know I am booked for
that Canadian journey with the Winslows. I am almost sorry I promised.
Do you think it would be safe to let the child go to the Bordens on
Saturday?"

"You won't let her go back! She is worth something better than baby
tending."

"You shouldn't have cured her up so soon! I don't exactly see my way
clear or I should keep her for good and all. I like her very much. You
may laugh at me about my swans being ordinary geese--but we must admit
the Bordens have the right to her at present. And I do not want to
make bad friends with them, seeing that in law he may exact the pound
of flesh. They may tire of her or she may not be able to stand the
babies and Jack. I could leave her here with Jane or send her to the
Home. But she is very much resigned to the return. She has a curious
bit of conscience about it. So it is best to let her try again."

"I can't bear the thought of it." He uttered it with vehemence.

"I don't like it much myself. But it seems the only way at present.
Bridget will look out for her. We can't accuse them of any cruelty or
neglect."

"And she fairly worships you--fairy godmother."

"I wish I were. I should change the lot of more than one Cinderella.
Well--we will wait and see."

Marilla came in with a bunch of flowers.

"Jane said I might pick them for the doctor, and the ride was so nice.
I shall put it in among the splendid things of my life--like the
dream, and coming here--and when I get settled in bed and all is dark
I can make a real fairy land out of it."

He took her flowers and kissed her, and said "Good-night" to them in a
low tone. But he went home racking his brains to see if something
could not be done toward keeping her.

Bridget came around one afternoon and was enthusiastic over her
improvement.

"They're doing pretty well and I believe the twins are not to get any
more teeth in a year or two. And the boss says they've thinned out
astonishing, and they can talk a good bit. And that girl's going to
the other place and they say you just must come down. But not a foot
should you stir if you wasn't real well. An' its glad enough I am to
have himself at breakfast at the morn and dinner at night. It's like
living again, but I don't want to see any more twins."

Marilla laughed. "Yes, I feel all well only sometimes I have a little
catch in my breath;