`` I 'm afeared we 're going to have an airly winter , '' foreboded Cousin Sophia . `` The muskrats are building awful big houses round the pond , and that 's a sign that never fails . Dear me , how that child has grown ! '' Cousin Sophia sighed again , as if it were an unhappy circumstance that a child should grow . `` When do you expect his father ? '' `` Next week , '' said Rilla . `` Well , I hope the stepmother wo n't abuse the pore child , '' sighed Cousin Sophia , `` but I have my doubts -- I have my doubts . Anyhow , he 'll be sure to feel the difference between his usage here and what he 'll get anywhere else . You 've spoiled him so , Rilla , waiting on him hand and foot the way you 've always done . '' Rilla smiled and pressed her cheek to Jims ' curls . She knew sweet-tempered , sunny , little Jims was not spoiled . Nevertheless her heart was anxious behind her smile . She , too , thought much about the new Mrs. Anderson and wondered uneasily what she would be like . `` I ca n't give Jims up to a woman who wo n't love him , '' she thought rebelliously . `` I b ` lieve it 's going to rain , '' said Cousin Sophia . `` We have had an awful lot of rain this fall already . It 's going to make it awful hard for people to get their roots in . It was n't so in my young days . We gin ` rally had beautiful Octobers then . But the seasons is altogether different now from what they used to be . ''
Clear across Cousin XXXXX 's doleful voice cut the telephone bell .
Anderson Jims Octobers Rilla Sophia days heart muskrats roots stepmother