“Me wock,” joined in the chorus that might be Chinese.
Oh, would they never come! She took the babies out on the porch. There was a big rocker. Pansy ran to it and patted it, rolling up her eyes. 144
“Oh, yes, Rock. I might have guessed, but my head feels so tired and queer.” Then she took the cushions and blankets out of the carriage and lifted up Violet, settling her in one side. But Pansy would have none of it. She squirmed down on the floor and began to cry.
“Oh, I don’t know what you want!” Marilla almost fell into the chair and jogged it gently. Violet was going to sleep. Poor Cinderella wiped the tears that would have run down her cheeks. She was so tired. Even the babies crying did not move her. But when she heard the voices she sprang up.
“Oh, what is the matter?” asked Mrs. Borden.
“They wanted to be rocked,” explained Marilla, “and I put them both in the chair, but Pansy wouldn’t stay––”
“We have spoiled them. Ellen used to sit in the chair and hold them both. That seemed about the only thing she could do that would please them. And I’ve held one in the right and Aunt Florence the other until my back ached and I was fit to fall to pieces. We’ve had the most awful time, Flo and I. But I 145 remember I had a dreadful time cutting my wisdom teeth, and I was grown. I used to walk the floor at night, they would swell up so. We can’t blame the poor babies. And they missed you so. They used to be so good, wasn’t they M’rilla; and I suppose they’ll be good again. They must be undressed and put to bed. Flo, you look after Violet, and M’rilla you run over and get some dinner. You must be most starved.”
Mrs. Borden had picked up Pansy who had now turned to her comforting thumb.
“Oh, run over. You needn’t be afraid. Ellen liked the girls first rate. Here, Mr. Borden will escort you.”
“I expect you’re tired out and homesick,” he said sympathetically. “But we will have things better tomorrow. And we are all so glad to have you—this way. Here, Katie, give this little girl a good dinner. She deserves the best you have.”