"Oh, I am so glad. It was so sudden you know, and when she stretched
out her hands."

"She must have known you, and after all it was sweet to be remembered
then. Are you very weak? But I'm afraid you couldn't walk to Loraine
place."

"I'm so--so shaky--"

Aunt Florence entered the room and snatched the bell from Violet. "You
must not make such a noise," she declared. "Oh Miss Armitage, you are
always shocked by a death, aren't you? And poor Aunt Hetty has been
dying the last week, though the doctor said she did not really suffer.
But she's past eighty and that's a good long life. I do wonder if she
really knew she was calling for Marilla, and the poor child has had a
bad time. How good of you to offer to take her for awhile. Funerals
are so dismal to a child."

"I think I had better have a cab," said the guest. "Will you kindly
telephone for one?"

Miss Borden assented. Then she brought a frock for Marilla, and
between them they had her dressed. Violet tumbled her box of blocks on
the floor and began kicking them around.

"Oh, dear! When you want quiet, children are always the worst! When
that new girl comes she shall take them out in their carriage and we
will have peace for a little while."

Mr. Borden entered at that moment with a very pleasant-faced young
woman.

"Come through in my room," said Miss Borden, "and you can watch for
the cab." She shut the door between, but the babies burst into a howl
and she went back to pacify them.

"Oh, I do feel better," exclaimed Marilla, and her eyes lightened up,
"but no one seems to know just what to do to amuse the babies, I've
grown so used to it."

"They must get along without you for awhile. It is a pity they
couldn't be sent away as well."

The cab came presently. Mr. Borden almost carried Marilla down stairs.
"Now get good and rested," he said. "It will be a sad time. Death
always is."

Oh, how delightful the beautiful house was! They went through to the
library where the grate fire had been kindled and Marilla drew a long,
happy breath. Why she felt almost well. Jane brought her some hot milk
and presently spread a dainty little luncheon on the library table.
They had quite a cheerful time and it seemed as if she improved every
moment.

Dr. Richards thought he would never get through with the office
patients this afternoon and he was impatient to know what had
happened. As for his own experiences they must be kept to himself for
some time. Indeed he