Page:Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920).djvu/255

Rh and Car’line hates him. You'll both have to live with her until you’re grown up. She'll put on him and abuse him. He’s like his father in some ways; he’s got a temper and he is stubborn. He’ll never get on with Car’line. Now, Eunice, I’m going to get you to promise to take my place with Christopher when I’m dead, as far as you can. You've got to; it’s your duty. But I want you to promise.”

“I will, ma,” whispered the girl solemnly.

“You haven’t much force — you never had. If you was smart, you could do a lot for him. But you'll have to do your best. I want you to promise me faithfully that you'll stand by him and protect him — that you won’t let people impose on him; that you'll never desert him as long as he needs you, no matter what comes. Eunice, promise me this!”

In her excitement the sick woman raised herself up in the bed, and clutched the girl’s thin arm. Her eyes were blazing and two scarlet spots glowed in her thin cheeks.

Eunice’s face was white and tense. She clasped her hands as one in prayer.

“Mother, I promise it!”

Naomi relaxed her grip on the girl’s arm and sank back exhausted on the pillow. A death-like look came over her face as the excitement faded.

“My mind is easier now. But if I could only have lived another year or two! And I hate