almost felt as if it was a dream. He had seen
Marilla only three times since her return. First she had gone to the
office to report to him and let him see what the seaside had done for
her, then the episode of measles had kept her indoors as well as the
babies. He had met her twice with her precious freight, and even on
Sundays she had not found time to go to Miss Armitage.

She told the story over to save the child's nerves. "And so the poor
old lady has gone. Yet I think it hardly fair for you to have to wait
upon her so much."

"Oh then Mrs. Holmes came and she was very nice. But as soon as I came
in with the babies she went out for her walk and Aunt Hetty wanted me
to read to her. She liked so to have me read, and somehow she seemed
gentler and quite sweet like after she was so poorly. I liked it
better than being so much with the children. They were growing so big
and strong and wanted to keep tumbling over me. It made me so tired
sometimes."

"Marilla is never going back there," Dr. Richards said decisively.
"She isn't strong enough for a nurse girl."

"No, she is not going back. I went out awhile ago to see that Mrs.
Johnson, but she thought the place an excellent one, and that it was a
bad thing to change girls about, making them dissatisfied everywhere,
but I meant to bide my time, and find an opportunity. Now I think they
will be willing to give her up as they have a grown-up woman. She came
while I was there. Dr. Baker told them Marilla had a weak heart, and I
think it startled them. They have no idea how hard she has been
worked."

Oh, he longed to tell her of Marilla's good fortune. Somehow they must
manage to share the child between them. She had the lovely home and
the mother heart, and he wanted a home with a sweet little girl in
it.

At Arch street there was a good deal of confusion. Cousins and nieces
who had called only at rare intervals on Mrs. Vanderveer were most
attentive, suddenly. They did wonder between themselves if Aunt Hetty
was going to leave _all_ her money to John Borden!

The new nurse, Lizzie by name, was really a great comfort. She took up
the babies in the morning, bathed and dressed them and gave them their
breakfast. They still took their midday nap but she managed to
introduce some discipline, yet she was not harsh. Master Jack stood a
little in awe of her. She was a good seamstress also.

So passed the three days and they brought Aunt Hetty down in the
parlor and put h