“Oh, you don’t think––”
“She has a weak heart. It may have come from the shock and there is time enough for her to outgrow it, with care. Are you going to tire of her?”
She saw there was no doubt in his face and smiled.
“Marilla’s no more trouble than a kitten. Jane is positively in love with her. I’m not sure but I shall ask to have her transferred to me.”
“Hilda Armitage you ought to be the mother of girls. I don’t know about the boys,” with a doubtful laugh.
“I’ve had two disappointments.”
“I told you that Conklin girl was not worth the trouble. She’s singing in a vaudeville show and it does suit her. You couldn’t get any refined ambition in that vain and silly brain. It is casting pearls before swine. Save the pearls for some one worthy. She doesn’t go back to the Borden’s this summer. When you get tired of her––” 108
“Shall we quarrel about her?” She glanced up with an odd, humorous smile.
“Perhaps we shall in the end, but that is a good way off. When that man comes today, just let him see Marilla.”
Mr. Borden came punctually at two and was quite profuse in his thanks for Miss Armitage’s kindness.