Nature seemed to have folded satisfied hands to rest , knowing that her long , wintry slumber was coming upon her . Out to sea , a dull , red sunset faded out into somber clouds , and the ceaseless voice of many waters came up from the tawny shore . Robert rested his chin on his hand and looked across the vales and hills , where the feathery gray of leafless hardwoods was mingled with the sturdy , unfailing green of the conebearers . He was a tall , bent man , with thin , gray hair , a lined face , and deeply-set , gentle brown eyes -- the eyes of one who , looking through pain , sees rapture beyond . He felt very happy . He loved his family clannishly , and he was rejoiced that they were all again near to him . He was proud of their success and fame . He was glad that James had prospered so well of late years . There was no canker of envy or discontent in his soul . He heard absently indistinct voices at the open hall window above the porch , where Aunt Isabel was talking to Kathleen Bell . Presently Aunt Isabel moved nearer to the window , and her words came down to Robert with startling clearness . `` Yes , I can assure you , Miss Bell , that I 'm real proud of my nephews and nieces . They 're a smart family . They 've almost all done well , and they had n't any of them much to begin with . Ralph had absolutely nothing and to-day he is a millionaire . Their father met with so many losses , what with his ill-health and the bank failing , that he could n't help them any . But they 've all succeeded , except poor Robert -- and I must admit that he 's a total failure . '' `` Oh , no , no , '' said the little teacher deprecatingly . `` A total failure ! '' Aunt Isabel repeated her words emphatically .
She was not going XXXXX be contradicted by anybody , least of all a Bell from Avonlea .
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