They went without word or look of protest . As the door closed behind them Mrs. Matilda Pitman laughed silently , and rocked from side to side in her merriment . `` Ai n't it funny ? '' she said . `` I mostly lets them run the length of their tether , but sometimes I has to pull them up , and then I does it with a jerk . They do n't dast aggravate me , because I 've got considerable hard cash , and they 're afraid I wo n't leave it all to them . Neither I will . I 'll leave 'em some , but some I wo n't , just to vex 'em . I have n't made up my mind where I will leave it but I 'll have to , soon , for at eighty a body is living on borrowed time . Now , you can take your time about dressing , my dear , and I 'll go down and keep them mean scallawags in order . That 's a handsome child you have there . Is he your brother ? '' `` No , he 's a little war-baby I 've been taking care of , because his mother died and his father was overseas , '' answered Rilla in a subdued tone . `` War-baby ! Humph ! Well , I 'd better skin out before he wakes up or he 'll likely start crying . Children do n't like me -- never did . I ca n't recollect any youngster ever coming near me of its own accord . Never had any of my own . Amelia was my step-daughter .
Well , it 's saved me a world XXXXX bother .
As about because before behind in of to with without