CHAPTER IX.
DOC HAS A MISADVENTURE "The war will not be over before next spring now," said Dr.Blythe, when it became apparent that the long battle of the Aisne had resulted in a stalemate.
Rilla was murmuring "knit four, purl one" under her breath, and rocking the baby's cradle with one foot.

Morgan disapproved of cradles for babies but Susan did not, and it was worth while to make some slight sacrifice of principle to keep Susan in good humour.

She laid down her knitting for a moment and said, "Oh, how can we bear it so long ?"--then picked up her sock and went on.

The Rilla of two months before would have rushed off to Rainbow Valley and cried.
Miss Oliver sighed and Mrs.Blythe clasped her hands for a moment.

Then Susan said briskly, "Well, we must just gird up our loins and pitch in.
Business as usual is England's motto, they tell me, Mrs.Dr.dear, and I have taken it for mine, not thinking I could easily find a better.