aight up to the bath room," said his aunt.

"And the neighbors came in, Mrs. Seymour to talk through that funnel,
and then Miss Armitage and the doctor," went on Bridget.

"It's a pity one can't stir out of the house without something
happening," sobbed the mistress. "And we're both so tired."

"There dear, come up stairs." Florence took Mrs. Borden by the arm,
and they ascended together. "Now I'll go and look after Jack."

She put a big apron over her dress. Jack sat on the bath room floor
crying.

"Get up and take off those dirty things. Come, your father will soon
be home and I don't know what he'll do to you," said his aunt.

"He may strap me if he likes, but I ain't going to be called a
snotnosed scabby sneak of a devil--"

"Hush! hush! I won't listen to such a talk--"

"--And he slapped me in the face, and I kicked his shins good, and
then we fit and I give him a punch in the belly and a good bunk in the
eye--"

"Stop Jack, I won't hear another word. Let me get you washed up. There
comes your father."

Jack's nose had stopped bleeding and he was washed and put in some
clean clothes. Mrs. Borden laid aside her wrap and hat and went
through to the nursery. The peppermint must have been a sedative to
nerves and stomach for the twins looked up with an angelic smile and
went on house building. Mrs. Seymour made the explanations.

"What could Marilla have been doing? She was well enough when we went
out."

Miss Armitage gave the hand she held a gentle squeeze and she saw the
eyelids quiver.

"I'm sure I am very much obliged to you both. I was sorry to miss you
that day you called, Miss Armitage. Oh dear, how you must have been
frightened! And poor Aunt Hetty! Is it really true--"

"The doctor couldn't tell the absolute danger so soon--"

"Oh, I think it has been coming on some time. She's dragged her feet
and she had a quick, almost spiteful way of walking, if one may call
it that. She protested against people slouching round without
animation enough to lift their feet. And some days she wouldn't come
down to any meal. Well, she's a pretty old lady; we've always let her
have her way."

Jack came into the room rather meek but a handsome little fellow in
spite of a lump on his forehead. He had run out of doors without
waiting to hear the result of Marilla's fall.

"Well, Captain!" said his father, holding out his hand.

Mrs. Seymour went home after proffering her services if she should be
needed th