`` Can she have taken ill ? '' exclaimed Mrs. Blythe anxiously . `` I thought it strange that she did not want to go to church this morning . '' The kitchen door opened and Susan appeared on the threshold with such a ghastly face that Mrs. Blythe cried out in sudden panic . `` Susan , what is it ? '' `` The British line is broken and the German shells are falling on Paris , '' said Susan dully . The three women stared at each other , stricken . `` It 's not true -- it 's not , '' gasped Rilla . `` The thing would be -- ridiculous , '' said Gertrude Oliver -- and then she laughed horribly . `` Susan , who told you this -- when did the news come ? '' asked Mrs. Blythe . `` I got it over the long-distance phone from Charlottetown half an hour ago , '' said Susan . `` The news came to town late last night . It was Dr. Holland phoned it out and he said it was only too true . Since then I have done nothing , Mrs. Dr. dear . I am very sorry dinner is not ready . It is the first time I have been so remiss . If you will be patient I will soon have something for you to eat . But I am afraid I let the potatoes burn . '' `` Dinner !
Nobody wants any dinner , XXXXX , '' said Mrs. Blythe wildly .
British Charlottetown German Oliver Paris Susan burn first morning night