There seemed a sudden dreariness in the world like a bright day clouding over. It 253 ought not look so to a woman of five and thirty with health and prosperity and plenty of work that did interest her. Other orphan girls might appeal to her to make their lonely lives blossom with hope and happiness.
Yes, she must let her go with earnest wishes for her future. She would rejoice in whatever came to her and not ask all the fragrance of the sweet young soul. So she kissed Marilla a tender good-night.
There were tears in the child’s eyes when she started on her journey. Mr. Lorimer met them at the station with a beautiful box of chocolates, and there was a pile of illustrated papers. She had so little idea of money that even now it was not to be weighed in the balance with fairy godmother.
They passed through pretty towns but autumn had stripped the gardens of their beauty. Even the clumps of evergreens on the lawns looked lonesome. She had never gone through a gloomy tunnel before and was a little frightened. Emerging from it the great city filled her with wonder.
Then they took a hack. Oh, how full of everything the streets were, pedestrians dodging 254 this way and that, vehicles in a snarl and trolleys whizzing by. It was a miracle people did not get run over.
They reached their destination and Lorimer ushered them in a sort of ante room, taking her to a lady who rose to greet them.
“And so this is cousin Marion’s little girl who has been motherless for years! We heard you were dead. If I had known you were living I should have come for you. We were very dear to each other but on her marriage she went away. I can’t see that you resemble her much except that she was fair and had light curly hair, and how she did hate it!” laughed Mrs. Warren.
“I like it,” rejoined Marilla.
“And she used to soap it and brush it and would never let it really curl; but it was a bed of waves. Oh, child! I’m glad to see you. I was very fond of your mother, and though our fortunes are not very large I suppose we can be thankful for them. It was a great surprise to me. You’re hardly old enough to realize all its benefits.”
Lorimer went to see when their turn would come. Mrs. Warren and the doctor talked 255 about Marilla. Then they were summoned to a crowded room where men were signing papers and there was such a hum of talking it was like a swarm of bees.