`` Marilla Cuthbert , you do n't mean to say that you are upholding her in such a terrible display of temper as we 've just seen ? '' demanded Mrs. Rachel indignantly . `` No , '' said Marilla slowly , `` I 'm not trying to excuse her . She 's been very naughty and I 'll have to give her a talking to about it . But we must make allowances for her . She 's never been taught what is right . And you WERE too hard on her , Rachel . '' Marilla could not help tacking on that last sentence , although she was again surprised at herself for doing it . Mrs. Rachel got up with an air of offended dignity . `` Well , I see that I 'll have to be very careful what I say after this , Marilla , since the fine feelings of orphans , brought from goodness knows where , have to be considered before anything else . Oh , no , I 'm not vexed -- do n't worry yourself . I 'm too sorry for you to leave any room for anger in my mind . You 'll have your own troubles with that child . But if you 'll take my advice -- which I suppose you wo n't do , although I 've brought up ten children and buried two -- you 'll do that ` talking to ' you mention with a fair-sized birch switch . I should think THAT would be the most effective language for that kind of a child . Her temper matches her hair I guess . Well , good evening , Marilla . I hope you 'll come down to see me often as usual . But you ca n't expect me to visit here again in a hurry , if I 'm liable to be flown at and insulted in such a fashion . It 's something new in MY experience . ''
Whereat Mrs. Rachel swept out and away -- if a fat woman who always waddled COULD be said to sweep away -- and XXXXX with a very solemn face betook herself to the east gable .
Cuthbert Marilla Rachel air dignity kind language right sentence troubles