ippodrome," said Edith. "Oh mother don't you believe
father could take us on Saturday?"

"And couldn't I go, too?"

The doctor asked in such a whimsical tone that they all laughed.
Jessie sidled up to him, she was well so she need not be afraid of a
doctor. She was very sweet but she wasn't quite Cinderella.

What a fine evening they had! It seemed as if they must have known
each other for years. Bits of Marilla's life came out unconsciously;
the doing for others without thinking of herself that really did
glorify it. Unwittingly she showed more of it to Dr. Richards than she
had ever before in her gratitude. Under the children's questions some
of the trials came out.

Every morning she wrote to Miss Armitage out of her full heart, and
the lady understood how she would thrive in natural companionship.
Almost she felt as if she ought to yield her to these relatives, but
she wanted her. It was strange how she had left her impress everywhere
yet she was a very modest little girl, demanding nothing, taking all
favors with a gratitude that was fascinating. Jane rehearsed so many
pretty sayings and missed her everywhere. Bridget came around to hear
whether the story of the fortune was absolutely true. The Bordens
could hardly believe it. Mr. John Borden wished they had not let her
go quite so soon. "She certainly was a nice child," he said.

They went to the great stores and to Central Park, and Marilla
overflowed with happiness. Why it was like the fairy dream, and she
wished the girls at the Home could have some of it, or could find a
fairy godmother. There were so many things to interest the doctor. How
the days did slip away and all the time Marilla grew sweeter, dearer;
but at last he said they _must_ go home.

"Oh, how can we let you go?" cried Edith. "Why I do believe you came
from fairy land yourself; but now you'll come and visit us often."

"And you can come to Newton. Fairy godmother has such a lovely house,
and she is so sweet. You will like her."

Oh, the child ought not be on sufferance but have the genial freedom
of a home of her very own where she could live over the childhood she
had missed and learn the glad inspiration of youth.

What did Miss Armitage mean to do for her? Yes, she wanted her; why
there would be a great loss in life without her, but she no longer
needed charity. She could not do everything for her; as she had
planned. Would she share a divided interest?

Dr. Richards heart yearne