`` I wish I could believe it , '' sighed Rilla . `` Sooth was my prophecy of fear Believe it when it augurs cheer , '' quoted Gertrude , almost gaily . `` I tell you I have no doubt . '' Yet , in spite of the great Italian victory at the Piave that came a few days later , she had doubt many a time in the hard month that followed ; and when in mid-July the Germans crossed the Marne again despair came sickeningly . It was idle , they all felt , to hope that the miracle of the Marne would be repeated . But it was : again , as in 1914 , the tide turned at the Marne . The French and the American troops struck their sudden smashing blow on the exposed flank of the enemy and , with the almost inconceivable rapidity of a dream , the whole aspect of the war changed . `` The Allies have won two tremendous victories , '' said the doctor on 20th July . `` It is the beginning of the end -- I feel it -- I feel it , '' said Mrs. Blythe . `` Thank God , '' said Susan , folding her trembling old hands , Then she added , under her breath , `` but it wo n't bring our boys back . '' Nevertheless she went out and ran up the flag , for the first time since the fall of Jerusalem . As it caught the breeze and swelled gallantly out above her , Susan lifted her hand and saluted it , as she had seen Shirley do . `` We 've all given something to keep you flying , '' she said . `` Four hundred thousand of our boys gone overseas -- fifty thousand of them killed . But -- you are worth it ! '' The wind whipped her grey hair about her face and the gingham apron that shrouded her from head to foot was cut on lines of economy , not of grace ; yet , somehow , just then Susan made an imposing figure . She was one of the women -- courageous , unquailing , patient , heroic -- who had made victory possible . In her , they all saluted the symbol for which their dearest had fought . Something of this was in the doctor 's mind as he watched her from the door . `` Susan , '' he said , when she turned to come in , `` from first to last of this business you have been a brick ! ''
CHAPTER XXXI MRS. MATILDA PITTMAN Rilla and Jims were standing XXXXX the rear platform of their car when the train stopped at the little Millward siding .
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