"

The Bordens were really disappointed when they found they had missed
Miss Armitage. Then a dressmaker was to come, and friends were
dropping in. Unless they shut the nursery door the little girls were
in everything, and then they fairly howled for mama.

"Oh, Marilla, can't you keep those children entertained? It sounds as
if they were getting murdered. Put on their things and take them
out."

Then one night Pansy had the croup and there was a great scare.

"You've let her get cold some way, Marilla; you mustn't let the wagon
stand while you keep looking at books and pictures in store windows.
You better go straight over to the park, and don't talk to other
girls. You're old enough now to have a little judgment."

Marilla made the babies ready. They were very fond of walking up and
down stairs. Now she lifted them in the carriage, tucked them in with
the pretty robe and they did look picturesque in their fluffy white
hoods and fur cloaks. They uttered shrieks of delight as they went
along. The Brant's were moving in the Jamreth house; she would
remember hereafter to turn off at State street and not pass it.
Somehow she felt very tired. At times there was such a fluttering
somewhere inside of her that for a moment things went round and she
had to gasp for breath. She would like to tell Dr. Richards about it.
She had seen him twice, both times in the street and it had kept her
happy for days.

CHAPTER X

ON THE BORDER OF TRAGEDY

For two days Jack had been out of school with a sore throat. Today it
was better. The ladies wanted to go out to match some trimming and
view some elegant new party frocks that might do for a wedding gown.

"Now don't tear the house down while we are gone. And if you are good
Jack, I'll bring you home that new top you wanted. Remember the noise
disturbs Aunt Hetty."

But the children enjoyed the noise. Aunt Hetty's bell rang.

"Oh, Marilla, can't you keep those children in a little better order,"
said the fretful voice. "And get me a drink of cold tea, I feel so
queer."

"I'm so sorry," answered the child, "I'll try my best. If only Jack
wasn't home."

Jack was throwing the ball at the babies who made vague efforts to
catch it.

"I'm so afraid you'll hurt them."

"Oh, you old fraid cat! You can't let a fellow have any fun! I'll
give it to you."

It was not a heavy ball but he sent it with all his angry might. It
struck against her heart and she went down in a lit