“Oh—through the park and then out on such a beautiful road. Things seem nicer on Sunday, because there isn’t so much noise. And there was an old man who has to get about in a chair with little wheels, and can’t walk any more. And the lady gave me some cake and such a luscious pear, and asked me to come again. I just wished that there was some little girl from the Home living there.”
Marilla had her face and hands washed, and a fresh white frock put on. She was so bright and chatty and really charming. But after dinner she lay in the Morris chair and Miss Armitage read her to sleep. It seemed as if she had improved so much in the twenty-four hours.
They had such a genial and charming 132 supper, and Miss Armitage played on the organ afterward and then talked about the girls who were going to the Rest House next week. Five of them were very much worn out. They would need to stay a full fortnight.
“And I think one of them needs some medical attention. Come to the Settlement and see her before she starts. And you know I am booked for that Canadian journey with the Winslows. I am almost sorry I promised. Do you think it would be safe to let the child go to the Bordens on Saturday?”
“You won’t let her go back! She is worth something better than baby tending.”
“You shouldn’t have cured her up so soon! I don’t exactly see my way clear or I should keep her for good and all. I like her very much. You may laugh at me about my swans being ordinary geese—but we must admit the Bordens have the right to her at present. And I do not want to make bad friends with them, seeing that in law he may exact the pound of flesh. They may tire of her or she may not be able to stand the babies and Jack. I could leave her here with Jane or send her to the Home. But she is very 133 much resigned to the return. She has a curious bit of conscience about it. So it is best to let her try again.”
“I can’t bear the thought of it.” He uttered it with vehemence.
“I don’t like it much myself. But it seems the only way at present. Bridget will look out for her. We can’t accuse them of any cruelty or neglect.”
“And she fairly worships you—fairy godmother.”
“I wish I were. I should change the lot of more than one Cinderella. Well—we will wait and see.”