But , if an all-wise Providence should decree it , I hope it will not take the form of big black spiders , for I loathe the animals . As for Mrs. Miller , I do not know whether she really deserves pity or not . There are some who say she just married Harrison to spite Richard Taylor , which seems to me a very peculiar reason for getting married . But then , of course , I am no judge of things matrimonial , Mrs. Dr. dear . And there is Cornelia Bryant at the gate , so I will put this blessed brown baby on his bed and get my knitting . '' CHAPTER II . SHEER GOSSIP `` Where are the other children ? '' asked Miss Cornelia , when the first greetings -- cordial on her side , rapturous on Anne 's , and dignified on Susan 's -- were over . `` Shirley is in bed and Jem and Walter and the twins are down in their beloved Rainbow Valley , '' said Anne . `` They just came home this afternoon , you know , and they could hardly wait until supper was over before rushing down to the valley . They love it above every spot on earth . Even the maple grove does n't rival it in their affections . '' `` I am afraid they love it too well , '' said Susan gloomily . `` Little Jem said once he would rather go to Rainbow Valley than to heaven when he died , and that was not a proper remark . '' `` I suppose they had a great time in Avonlea ? '' said Miss 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 Miss Cornelia , getting out her knitting , so that she could hold her own with Susan .
Miss XXXXX held that the woman whose hands were employed always had the advantage over the woman whose hands were not .
Avonlea Cornelia Marilla Miller Providence Shirley Susan Valley Walter first