This chimney-corner of yours , Anna , is the cosiest spot in the world . '' `` When did you get home from Maitland ? '' asked Mrs. March . `` Did you have a pleasant time ? And how did you leave Emily and the children ? '' Mrs. Stapp took this trio of interrogations in calm detail . `` I came home Saturday , '' she said , as she unrolled her knitting . `` Nice wet day it was too ! And as for my visit , yes , I enjoyed myself pretty , well , not but what I worried over Peter 's rheumatism a good deal . Emily is well , and the children ought to be , for such rampageous young ones I never saw ! Emily ca n't do no more with them than an old hen with a brood of ducks . But , lawful heart , Anna , do n't mind about my little affairs ! The news Peter had for me about you when I got home fairly took my breath . He came down to the garden gate to shout it before I was out of the wagon . I could n't believe but what he was joking at first . You should have seen Peter . He had an old red shawl tied round his rheumatic shoulder , and he was waving his arms like a crazy man . I declare , I thought the chimney was afire ! Theodosia , Theodosia ! ' he shouted .
` Anna March has had a fortune left her by her brother in Australy , and she 's bought the old Carroll place , and is going XXXXX move up there ! '
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