`` I do n't believe Miss West would . You do n't know her as well as I do , Una . Just think of that sweet little bird she sent me . I love it far more even than Adam . '' `` It 's just being a stepmother changes them . Mary says they ca n't help it . I would n't mind the whippings so much as having father hate us . '' `` You know nothing could make father hate us . Do n't be silly , Una . I dare say there 's nothing to worry over . Likely if we run our club right and bring ourselves up properly father wo n't think of marrying any one . And if he does , I KNOW Miss West will be lovely to us . '' But Una had no such conviction and she cried herself to sleep . CHAPTER XXIV . A CHARITABLE IMPULSE For a fortnight things ran smoothly in the Good-Conduct Club . It seemed to work admirably . Not once was Jem Blythe called in as umpire . Not once did any of the manse children set the Glen gossips by the ears . As for their minor peccadilloes at home , they kept sharp tabs on each other and gamely underwent their self-imposed punishment -- generally a voluntary absence from some gay Friday night frolic in Rainbow Valley , or a sojourn in bed on some spring evening when all young bones ached to be out and away . Faith , for whispering in Sunday School , condemned herself to pass a whole day without speaking a single word , unless it was absolutely necessary , and accomplished it .
It was rather unfortunate that Mr. Baker from over-harbour should have chosen that XXXXX for calling at the manse , and that Faith should have happened to go to the door .
Adam Blythe Mary West XXIV evening gossips right tabs whippings