`` The poor woman has just got here , and she thinks she has got home . She might as well think so if it is of any comfort to her . You 'd better leave her here . '' Theodosia gave a stifled gasp of amazement , but Mrs. March went serenely on . `` I 'll take care of the poor soul as long as she needs it -- and that will not be very long in my opinion , for if ever I saw death in a woman 's face , it is looking out of hers . I 've plenty of time to look after her and make her comfortable . '' Mrs. Joel Kent was voluble in her thanks . It was evident that she was delighted to get the sick woman off her hands . Mrs. March cut her short with an invitation to stay to tea , but Mrs. Kent declined . `` I 've got to hurry home straight off and get the men 's suppers . Such a scamper to have over that woman ! I 'm sure I 'm thankful you 're willing to let her stay , for she 'd never be contented anywhere else . I 'll send over what few things she has tomorrow . '' When Mrs. Kent had gone , Mrs. March and Mrs. Stapp looked at each other . `` And so this is your revenge , Anna March ? '' said the latter solemnly . `` Do you remember what you said to me about her ? '' `` Yes , I do , Theodosia , and I thought I meant every word of it . But I guess my wicked streak ran out just when I needed it to depend on . Besides , you see , I 've thought of Lou Carroll all these years as she was when I knew her -- handsome and saucy and proud .
But that poor creature in there is n't any more like the Lou XXXXX I knew than you are -- not a mite .
Carroll Kent March Stapp Theodosia hands suppers things word years