So it was settled. Almira Pratt came from the valley to nurse Gerty, and Marion stayed to keep house and be company for Asahel.
Bram was not at all pleased with the arrangement.
"It is just offering you up on the shrine of Gerty, and I don't think it is fair," said he, when he was taking Marion out for a drive. "I don't see what special claim she has on you."
"She said I just suited her," answered Marion, smiling.
"If you do, you are the first who ever did. I should like to know how you do it."
"By letting her say what she pleases and never answering her, I suppose. At any rate, that is what I do. I used to try to hold my own at first, and make her hear reason, but I found there was no use in that. I was no match for her, and there was no end to it. Besides, I learned to take her speeches at their real value. When she was particularly aggravating, I used to say to myself,—
"'She doesn't mean me; she means the dress that would not fit, or the stains that won't come out of the tablecloth, or the cold in her head.'
"I represent these things for the time being. Besides, I have a fellow-feeling for her. I remember when I thought myself that it was rather smart to hurt people's feelings by saying sharp things."
"Well, anyhow, I don't see why you should stay here; though, to be sure, if one can do the poor thing good. I suppose there is no hope?"
"Uncle Duncan says not. He thinks she will not last long, and that she will go very suddenly."