d lose her balance and fall. Everything looked so cool
and sweet. The pictures were of woods and lakes, or a bit of sedgy
river. There were fine sheer draperies at the windows, a tall vase of
flowers on the beautiful centerpiece that adorned the real dining
table.

Oh, how good the delicate asparagus soup tasted. And the cold chicken,
the rice and the dainty potato cake. Marilla was all smiles inside,
she could feel the quiver. She had not been waited on this way since
the night in fairy land. Bridget had a way of shoving things toward
you or asking you to get up and help yourself. But then, Bridget had
done the cooking and was tired, and Marilla was glad to wait on her.

After the dessert, they went through to the drawing room and that
looked lovely to the little girl. There was a portfolio of engravings
on a sort of stand, and you could sit there and turn them over without
any effort. There were so many pretty children among them, and some of
royal families that were to be kings and queens.

The postman came and Jane brought in a handful of letters. Miss
Armitage looked them over casually. Here was one from Bayside and she
opened it.

"My dear Miss Armitage," it began.

"I don't know how we can thank you for taking Marilla in as you did,
and by this time I hope she is about well. Mr. Borden comes up on
Saturday morning to see a client and will call for Marilla at about
two. We simply can't do without her. We've had the most awful time!
Two babies getting four teeth apiece are enough to drive one crazy.
There was no trouble about the other teeth, but I think it would not
have been so bad if we'd had Marilla. They have missed her and cried
after her and no one could get them asleep until they were fairly worn
out and then they sobbed in the most heartbreaking way. We've had no
rest day or night. Ellen is very good and patient, but the babies
simply won't let her touch them. Marilla always knew just what to do.
She was so entertaining. She certainly was born for a nurse girl,
though I thought she was most too young when I took her, I've never
let her lift them, for they're like a lump of lead. They have grown
thinner and I do hope it will keep on, unless Marilla makes them laugh
so much they fat up again. They have each cut two teeth and they had
to be lanced. Sister and I have had an awful time. We shall be so glad
to get Marilla back. I think Ellen will not be a success as a child's
nurse. And I can get her a fir