Nobody has ever seen her shed a tear or heard her mention his name . She has evidently quite forgotten him . Poor fellow -- you 'd really think his family would feel it more . I spoke of him to Rilla at the last Junior Red meeting -- of how fine and brave and splendid he was -- and I said life could never be just the same to me again , now that Walter had gone -- we were such friends , you know -- why I was the very first person he told about having enlisted -- and Rilla answered , as coolly and indifferently as if she were speaking of an entire stranger , ` He was just one of many fine and splendid boys who have given everything for their country . ' Well , I wish I could take things as calmly -- but I 'm not made like that . I 'm so sensitive -- things hurt me terribly -- I really never get over them . I asked Rilla right out why she did n't put on mourning for Walter . She said her mother did n't wish it . But every one is talking about it . '' `` Rilla does n't wear colours -- nothing but white , '' protested Betty Mead . `` White becomes her better than anything else , '' said Irene significantly . `` And we all know black does n't suit her complexion at all . But of course I 'm not saying that is the reason she does n't wear it . Only , it 's funny . If my brother had died I 'd have gone into deep mourning . I would n't have had the heart for anything else . I confess I 'm disappointed in Rilla Blythe . '' `` I am not , then , '' cried Betty Meade , loyally , `` I think Rilla is just a wonderful girl . A few years ago I admit I did think she was rather too vain and gigglesome ; but now she is nothing of the sort . I do n't think there is a girl in the Glen who is so unselfish and plucky as Rilla , or who has done her bit as thoroughly and patiently .
Our Junior Red Cross would have gone on the rocks a dozen times if it had n't been XXXXX her tact and perseverance and enthusiasm -- you know that perfectly well , Irene . ''
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