Yet it was flattering to be so well loved, but she did not want to come back and be a nurse maid again. Ah, if she could only stay with Miss Armitage! She began to study a little, she was so eager to learn. The music enchanted 237 her and she was delighted to pick out tunes with her soft touch.
“I don’t understand what Mrs. Johnson means,” Miss Armitage said to the doctor. “I offered to adopt Marilla and educate her and see that she was well placed in life. I have no near relatives, and I don’t believe I shall ever marry, I like my life as it is, but she was so sort of mysterious and secretive and declared she could not give an answer at present, as if she had some further plans. I did make the most of her having a weak heart—you said so and Doctor Baker as well. Oh, do you believe there is any real danger?”
She turned pale at the thought.
“With care I think she will outgrow it. She has lived in an overstrained atmosphere with those children. Then it was a dreadful shock to have the old lady die that way when she was looking for a tender recognition. What happened about a fortnight before?”
“I do not know, I found her unconscious. The ladies were out, the old Aunt had a stroke. It is such a sweet, promising life, and can be developed into something worth while. You may think me visionary—” 238
Oh, why could she not see this other life that might be blessed and broadened by her love!
“I am afraid there is something back of it all that I cannot fathom,” she continued. “It haunts me. Suppose you were to see this Mrs. Johnson. A man can sometimes penetrate plans—”
And he was in collusion with Mrs. Johnson, keeping the secret from the woman he loved, but if there should be some mistake!
“Yes, I will see Mrs. Johnson,” he said slowly.
A light footfall came down the stairs, and Marilla flew to his side.