She has changed into a capable , womanly girl and she is such a comfort to me . Nan and Di have grown a little away from me -- they have been so little at home -- but Rilla has grown closer and closer to me . We are chums . I do n't see how I could have got through these terrible years without her , Gilbert . ' `` There , that is just what mother said -- and I feel glad -- and sorry -- and proud -- and humble ! It 's beautiful to have my mother think that about me -- but I do n't deserve it quite . I 'm not as good and strong as all that . There are heaps of times when I have felt cross and impatient and woeful and despairing . It is mother and Susan who have been this family 's backbone . But I have helped a little , I believe , and I am so glad and thankful . `` The war news has been good right along . The French and Americans are pushing the Germans back and back and back . Sometimes I am afraid it is too good to last -- after nearly four years of disasters one has a feeling that this constant success is unbelievable . We do n't rejoice noisily over it . Susan keeps the flag up but we go softly . The price paid has been too high for jubilation . We are just thankful that it has not been paid in vain . `` No word has come from Jem . We hope -- because we dare not do anything else . But there are hours when we all feel -- though we never say so -- that such hoping is foolishness .
These XXXXX come more and more frequently as the weeks go by .
Di French Germans Gilbert Nan Susan disasters hours war years