Violet had looked rather wary and been chewing on the end of her thumb, but now she nodded and began to hitch toward Marilla.
“Now we’re going over to the cottage to dinner. It’s such a pleasure to go together. I always take Jack. He has nice table manners if he isn’t an angel otherwise. Oh, there he is! Jack, here’s Marilla!”
Jack gave a sort of wild howl of delight and started on a run with outstretched arms. Over went Marilla and Pansy and Jack on the top of the heap. Pansy gave a smothered scream.
Mrs. Borden caught Jack by the shoulder and dragged him up. “You bad, bad boy!” she exclaimed, angrily.
“Hello! what’s the row?” asked Mr. Borden, advancing to the fray. 139
Jack rubbed his eyes to make some tears.
“Well, you said you was glad to see her an’ so was I. An’ I was jest gone’ to hug her an’ the bug fell over, an’ I couldn’t help it.”
Mr. Borden laughed. Mrs. Borden picked up Pansy and comforted her. But she did howl as if she had been half killed.
“Jack, go to Aunt Florence and be made ready for dinner,” in a commanding tone. “Oh dear, it does seem––”
“Well things will go better now,” said Mr. Borden soothingly. “Marilla, you are going to be the salvation of the household. Did the twins really know her?”