"It's a commercial war when all is said and done and not worth one drop
of good Canadian blood," said a stranger from the shore hotel.
"The Blythe family are taking it easy," said Kate Drew.
"Them young fools are just going for adventure," growled Nathan
Crawford.
"I have absolute confidence in Kitchener," said the over-harbour doctor.
In these ten minutes Rilla passed through a dizzying succession of
anger, laughter, contempt, depression and inspiration. Oh, people were--
funny! How little they understood. "Taking it easy," indeed--when even
Susan hadn't slept a wink all night! Kate Drew always was a minx.
Rilla felt as if she were in some fantastic nightmare. Were these the
people who, three weeks ago, were talking of crops and prices and local
gossip?
There--the train was coming--mother was holding Jem's hand--Dog
Monday was licking it--everybody was saying good-bye--the train was
in! Jem kissed Faith before everybody--old Mrs. Drew whooped
hysterically--the men, led by Kenneth, cheered--Rilla felt Jem seize
her hand--"Good-bye, Spider"--somebody kissed her cheek--she believed
it was Jerry but never was sure--they were off--the train was pulling
out--Jem and Jerry were waving to everybody--everybody was waving back
--mother and Nan were smiling still, but as if they had just forgotten
to take the smile off--Monday was howling dismally and being forcibly
restrained by the Methodist minister from tearing after the train--
Susan was waving her best bonnet and hurrahing like a man--had she gone
crazy?--the train rounded a curve.
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