Page:Rilla of Ingleside (1921).djvu/372

 not if those of us who live will show ourselves worthy of it—if we ‘keep faith.’”

“We will keep faith,” said Gertrude. She rose suddenly. A silence fell around the table, and in the silence Gertrude repeated Walter’s famous poem “The Piper.’ When she finished Mr. Meredith stood up and held up his glass.

“Let us drink,” he said, “to the silent army,—to the boys who followed when the Piper summoned. ‘For our tomorrow they gave their today’—theirs is the victory!’

 

ARLY in November Jims left Ingleside. Rilla saw him go with many tears but a heart free from boding. Mrs. Jim Anderson, Number Two, was such a nice little woman that one was rather inclined to wonder at the luck which bestowed her on Jim. She was rosy-faced and blue-eyed and wholesome, with the roundness and trigness of a geranium leaf. Rilla saw at first glance that she was to be trusted with Jims.

“I’m fond of children, miss,” she said heartily. “I’m used to them—I’ve left six little brothers and sisters behind me. Jims is a dear child and I must say you've done wonders in bringing him up so healthy and handsome. I’ll be as good to him as if he was my own,