`` They do n't run and yell as they do elsewhere . Such howls as drift up here from Rainbow Valley sometimes ! Though I fancy my own small fry bear a valiant part in them . They had a sham battle there last night and had to ` roar ' themselves , because they had no artillery to do it , so Jem says . Jem is passing through the stage where all boys hanker to be soldiers . '' `` Well , thank goodness , he 'll never be a soldier , '' said Miss Cornelia . `` I never approved of our boys going to that South African fracas . But it 's over , and not likely anything of the kind will ever happen again . I think the world is getting more sensible . As for the Merediths , I 've said many a time and I say it again , if Mr. Meredith had a wife all would be well . '' `` He called twice at the Kirks ' last week , so I am told , '' said Susan . `` Well , '' said Miss Cornelia thoughtfully , `` as a rule , I do n't approve of a minister marrying in his congregation . It generally spoils him . But in this case it would do no harm , for every one likes Elizabeth Kirk and nobody else is hankering for the job of stepmothering those youngsters . Even the Hill girls balk at that . They have n't been found laying traps for Mr. Meredith . Elizabeth would make him a good wife if he only thought so . But the trouble is , she really is homely and , Anne dearie , Mr. Meredith , abstracted as he is , has an eye for a good-looking woman , man-like . He is n't SO other-worldly when it comes to that , believe ME . '' `` Elizabeth Kirk is a very nice person , but they do say that people have nearly frozen to death in her mother 's spare-room bed before now , Mrs. Dr. dear , '' said Susan darkly .
`` If I felt I had any right to express an opinion concerning such a solemn matter as a minister 's marriage I would say XXXXX I think Elizabeth 's cousin Sarah , over-harbour , would make Mr. Meredith a better wife . ''
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