CHAPTER XI DARK AND BRIGHT At Christmas the college boys and girls came home and for a little while Ingleside was gay again . But all were not there -- for the first time one was missing from the circle round the Christmas table . Jem , of the steady lips and fearless eyes , was far away , and Rilla felt that the sight of his vacant chair was more than she could endure . Susan had taken a stubborn freak and insisted on setting out Jem 's place for him as usual , with the twisted little napkin ring he had always had since a boy , and the odd , high Green Gables goblet that Aunt Marilla had once given him and from which he always insisted on drinking . `` That blessed boy shall have his place , Mrs. Dr. dear , '' said Susan firmly , `` and do not you feel over it , for you may be sure he is here in spirit and next Christmas he will be here in the body . Wait you till the Big Push comes in the spring and the war will be over in a jiffy . '' They tried to think so , but a shadow stalked in the background of their determined merrymaking . Walter , too , was quiet and dull , all through the holidays . He showed Rilla a cruel , anonymous letter he had received at Redmond -- a letter far more conspicuous for malice than for patriotic indignation . `` Nevertheless , all it says is true , Rilla . '' Rilla had caught it from him and thrown it into the fire . `` There is n't one word of truth in it , '' she declared hotly . `` Walter , you 've got morbid -- as Miss Oliver says she gets when she broods too long over one thing . '' `` I ca n't get away from it at Redmond , Rilla . The whole college is aflame over the war . A perfectly fit fellow , of military age , who does n't join up is looked upon as a shirker and treated accordingly . Dr. Milne , the English professor , who has always made a special pet of me , has two sons in khaki ; and I can feel the change in his manner towards me . '' `` It 's not fair -- you 're not fit . '' `` Physically I am . Sound as a bell .
The unfitness is XXXXX the soul and it 's a taint and a disgrace .
as at for in of on since that towards with