here and you are very sweet. I don't know how I came here.
Must I go back?"

"Not until you are well. You have been ill. And you were brought
here----"

"I can't think. There were the babies. I went to get something and
stumbled and everything looked so queer, blue and red and full of
stars, and then I went down and down and all was dark and I kept going
down----"

"You fainted and were brought over here. The babies were taken home.
And you have been ill, but now you are going to get well."

"I've never been real ill. There were the measles once in the home and
we had to stay in bed. I was so hungry. Oh, do you know where Bridget
is? She was so good to me."

"She is at Mr. Borden's."

"Could I please to have a drink?"

Miss Armitage brought a glass of milk.

"Would you like something to eat--a bit of custard?"

"I'm not hungry. But the milk was good. Thank you. Who brought me back
from that great dark pit?"

"The doctor, I guess," with a smile.

"Could I be turned over?"

Miss Armitage turned her so her face was toward the sky. She drew a
long breath.

"Do you mind if I should go to sleep?"

"Oh, no, and I'll read to you."

The sweet voice soon lulled her to sleep. And she did not speak again
all through the evening, but was rather restless all night. No one had
to watch with her now, but Miss Armitage was troubled at the soft,
long sighs.

CHAPTER V

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER

Marilla wondered what the bells were ringing for. And then pistols
were firing. Oh, yes, it was Fourth of July. She would get up--but her
thin legs gave way and her head spun round. All the room was strange,
and everybody seemed mixed up. Then a soft voice said--

"I hope you are better this morning."

"I feel--queer--"

The face was flushed, the little hands were hot.

"The doctor was afraid of fever," Miss Armitage said to Jane, "and it
has come."

But the doctor was in early. There would be so many calls on him, by
and by.

"Yes, it is fever. She seemed better yesterday. And she can't spare
any strength to be burned up, so we must do our best. I don't dare
treat her as you would a robust child, but I'll give her something
every hour, and get in again before night. Oh, no, I think it is
hardly critical," in answer to the lady's anxious look.

Marilla did not seem to know any one. She muttered little catches of
talk about the babies and Jack, always pleading with him not to do
this or that. Once she laughed