The three women stared at each other , stricken . `` It 's not true -- it 's not , '' gasped Rilla . `` The thing would be -- ridiculous , '' said Gertrude Oliver -- and then she laughed horribly . `` Susan , who told you this -- when did the news come ? '' asked Mrs. Blythe . `` I got it over the long-distance phone from Charlottetown half an hour ago , '' said Susan . `` The news came to town late last night . It was Dr. Holland phoned it out and he said it was only too true . Since then I have done nothing , Mrs. Dr. dear . I am very sorry dinner is not ready . It is the first time I have been so remiss . If you will be patient I will soon have something for you to eat . But I am afraid I let the potatoes burn . '' `` Dinner ! Nobody wants any dinner , Susan , '' said Mrs. Blythe wildly . `` Oh , this thing is unbelievable -- it must be a nightmare . '' `` Paris is lost -- France is lost -- the war is lost , '' gasped Rilla , amid the utter ruins of hope and confidence and belief . `` Oh God -- Oh God , '' moaned Gertrude Oliver , walking about the room and wringing her hands , `` Oh -- God ! '' Nothing else -- no other words -- nothing but that age old plea -- the old , old cry of supreme agony and appeal , from the human heart whose every human staff has failed it . `` Is God dead ? ''
asked a startled little voice XXXXX the doorway of the living-room .
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