Page:Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920).djvu/177

Rh “How does Sara like teaching at Newbridge?” asked Mrs. Jonas, helping herself a second time to Mrs. Eben’s matchless black fruit cake, and thereby bestowing a subtle compliment which Mrs. Eben did not fail to appreciate.

“Well, I guess she likes it pretty well — better than down at White Sands, anyway,” answered Mrs. Eben. “Yes, I may say it suits her. Of course it’s a long walk there and back. I think it would have been wiser for her to keep on boarding at Morrison's, as she did all winter, but Sara is bound to be home all she can. And I must say the walk seems to agree with her.”

“I was down to see Jonas’ aunt at Newbridge last night,” said Mrs. Jonas, “and she said she’d heard that Sara had made up her mind to take Lige Baxter at last, and that they were to be married in the fall. She asked me if it was true. I said I didn’t know, but I hoped to mercy it was. Now, is it, Louisa?”

“Not a word of it,” said Mrs. Eben sorrowfully. “Sara hasn’t any more notion of taking Lige than ever she had. I’m sure it’s not my fault. I’ve talked and argued till I’m tired. I declare to you, Amelia, Iam terribly disappointed. I’d set my heart on Sara’s marrying Lige — and now to think she won't!”

“She is a very foolish girl,’ said Mrs. Jonas,