But she felt discouraged , too . Well , she had done her best . If Lige Baxter 's broth was spoiled it was not for lack of cooks . Every Andrews in Avonlea had been trying for two years to bring about a match between him and Sara , and Mrs. Jonas had borne her part valiantly . Mrs. Eben 's despondent reply was cut short by the appearance of Sara herself . The girl stood for a moment in the doorway and looked with a faintly amused air at her aunts . She knew quite well that they had been discussing her , for Mrs. Jonas , who carried her conscience in her face , looked guilty , and Mrs. Eben had not been able wholly to banish her aggrieved expression . Sara put away her books , kissed Mrs. Jonas ' rosy cheek , and sat down at the table . Mrs. Eben brought her some fresh tea , some hot rolls , and a little jelly-pot of the apricot preserves Sara liked , and she cut some more fruit cake for her in moist plummy slices . She might be out of patience with Sara 's `` contrariness , '' but she spoiled and petted her for all that , for the girl was the very core of her childless heart . Sara Andrews was not , strictly speaking , pretty ; but there was that about her which made people look at her twice . She was very dark , with a rich , dusky sort of darkness , her deep eyes were velvety brown , and her lips and cheeks were crimson . She ate her rolls and preserves with a healthy appetite , sharpened by her long walk from Newbridge , and told amusing little stories of her day 's work that made the two older women shake with laughter , and exchange shy glances of pride over her cleverness . When tea was over she poured the remaining contents of the cream jug into a saucer . `` I must feed my pussy , '' she said as she left the room . `` That girl beats me , '' said Mrs. Eben with a sigh of perplexity . `` You know that black cat we 've had for two years ? Eben and I have always made a lot of him , but Sara seemed to have a dislike to him . Never a peaceful nap under the stove could he have when Sara was home -- out he must go . Well , a little spell ago he got his leg broke accidentally and we thought he 'd have to be killed .
But Sara would n't hear XXXXX it .
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