“But I won’t be called nasty names, and he said I was a sneak of a devil—”
“Try and keep out of the way of such boys. But if you must fight stand up to it boldly. I think you didn’t get the worst of it, but I guess it’s good your mother came along just then, and now little boy you had better go to bed.”
Jack was very glad nothing had been asked him about Marilla. He was tired and drowsy. But Aunt Florence said, “Jack I think you were a very bad boy.”
Dr. Baker came in and took another look at Marilla whose pulse was still very fluttering.
“What do you suppose it is?” asked Mrs. Borden, anxiously.
“The child has a weak heart. Perhaps no organic disease at present, and if she gets through the next two or three years safely all may go well with her. But she ought not have any severe strain. Do you know anything about her family?”
“She hasn’t any, I took her from that 203 Bethany Home. She’s a nice, willing, pleasant girl and a splendid hand with babies. But she was with Miss Armitage all through that awful time we had with the children teething, and the babies are good. I resolved I’d never make children so troublesome as Jack was, waiting on them hand and foot. I’ve had a different system with them.”
“The system seems to have worked well, but I think you need a stronger nursemaid.”
“I’ve never let her lift them, I knew it was not safe for them,” laughing. “Though think how poor children carry babies about; but now tell me about Aunt Hetty.”
“I think it is the beginning of the end. You can’t quite tell, but she’s pretty well worn out with the years, and she must have a steady nurse. A hospital would be best.”