When Caroline recounted the concert story to Christopher the next morning his ruddy face turned quite pale . He opened his lips as if to speak , then closed them again . They were sitting in the kitchen ; Caroline had run over to return some tea she had borrowed , and , incidentally , to see what she could of Victoria 's housekeeping in her absence . Her eyes had been busy while her tongue ran on , so she did not notice the man 's pallor and silence . `` How long does it take for smallpox to develop after one has been exposed to it ? '' he asked abruptly , when Caroline rose to go . `` Ten to fourteen days , I calc ` late , '' was her answer . `` I must see about having the girls vaccinated right off . It 'll likely spread . When do you expect Victoria home ? '' `` When she 's ready to come , whenever that will be , '' was the gruff response . A week later Caroline said to Eunice , `` Whatever 's got Christopher ? He has n't been out anywhere for ages -- just hangs round home the whole time . It 's something new for him . I s ` pose the place is so quiet , now Madam Victoria 's away , that he can find some rest for his soul . I believe I 'll run over after milking and see how he 's getting on . You might as well come , too , Eunice . '' Eunice shook her head . She had all her mother 's obstinacy , and darken Victoria 's door she would not . She went on patiently darning socks , sitting at the west window , which was her favorite position -- perhaps because she could look from it across the sloping field and past the crescent curve of maple grove to her lost home .
After milking , Caroline threw a shawl over her head and ran XXXXX the field .
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