VALLEY

CHAPTER IISHEER GOSSIPYT 7HERE are the other children?" asked MissV V Cornelia, when the first greetings cordialon her side, rapturous on Anne's, and dignified onSusan'swere over."Shirley is in bed and Jem and Walter and the twinsare down in their beloved Rainbow Valley," said Anne."They just came home this afternoon, you know, andthey could hardlywait until supperwas over beforerushing down to the valley. They love it above everyspot on earth. Even the maple grovein their affections."doesn't rival it"I am afraid they love it too well," said Susangloomily. "Little Jem said once he would rather goto Rainbow Valley than to heaven when he died, andthat was not a proper remark.""I suppose they had a great time in Avonlea?" saidMiss Cornelia."Enormous. Marilla does spoil them terribly. Jem,in particular, can do no wrong in her eyes.""Miss Cuthbert must be an old lady now," said MissCornelia, getting out her knitting,so that she couldhold her own with Susan. Miss Cornelia held thatthe woman whose hands were employed always had theadvantageover the woman whose hands were not.7