`` Let them European nations fight it out between them , '' said Abner Reese . `` When he was a boy I gave him many a good trouncing , '' shouted Norman Douglas , who seemed to be referring to some one high in military circles in Charlottetown . `` Yes , sir , I walloped him well , big gun as he is now . '' `` The existence of the British Empire is at stake , '' said the Methodist minister . `` There 's certainly something about uniforms , '' sighed Irene Howard . `` It 's a commercial war when all is said and done and not worth one drop of good Canadian blood , '' said a stranger from the shore hotel . `` The Blythe family are taking it easy , '' said Kate Drew . `` Them young fools are just going for adventure , '' growled Nathan Crawford . `` I have absolute confidence in Kitchener , '' said the over-harbour doctor . In these ten minutes Rilla passed through a dizzying succession of anger , laughter , contempt , depression and inspiration . Oh , people were -- funny ! How little they understood . `` Taking it easy , '' indeed -- when even Susan had n't slept a wink all night ! Kate Drew always was a minx . Rilla felt as if she were in some fantastic nightmare . Were these the people who , three weeks ago , were talking of crops and prices and local gossip ? There -- the train was coming -- mother was holding Jem 's hand -- Dog Monday was licking it -- everybody was saying good-bye -- the train was in ! Jem kissed Faith before everybody -- old Mrs. Drew whooped hysterically -- the men , led by Kenneth , cheered -- Rilla felt Jem seize her hand -- `` Good-bye , Spider '' -- somebody kissed her cheek -- she believed it was Jerry but never was sure -- they were off -- the train was pulling out -- Jem and Jerry were waving to everybody -- everybody was waving back -- mother and Nan were smiling still , but as if they had just forgotten to take the smile off -- Monday was howling dismally and being forcibly restrained by the Methodist minister from tearing after the train -- Susan was waving her best bonnet and hurrahing like a man -- had she gone crazy ? -- the train rounded a curve . They had gone .
Rilla came XXXXX herself with a gasp .
about as at before between from in of through to