All were enjoying themselves hugely , so it is not to be wondered at that they did not miss Robert , who had gone home early because his old housekeeper was nervous if left alone at night . He came again the next afternoon . From James , in the barnyard , he learned that Malcolm and Ralph had driven to the harbor , that Margaret and Mrs. James had gone to call on friends in Avonlea , and that Edith was walking somewhere in the woods on the hill . There was nobody in the house except Aunt Isabel and the teacher . `` You 'd better wait and stay the evening , '' said James , indifferently . `` They 'll all be back soon . '' Robert went across the yard and sat down on the rustic bench in the angle of the front porch . It was a fine December evening , as mild as autumn ; there had been no snow , and the long fields , sloping down from the homestead , were brown and mellow . A weird , dreamy stillness had fallen upon the purple earth , the windless woods , the rain of the valleys , the sere meadows . 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 XXXXX my nephews and nieces .
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