`` She shall not have him , '' she said , with slow emphasis . `` I will never give him up to any other woman , and , least of all , to her . She would leave me no place in his heart at all -- me , his mother , who almost died to give him life . He belongs to me ! Let her look for the son of some other woman -- some woman who has many sons . She shall not have my only one ! '' She got up , wrapped a shawl about her head , and went out into the darkly golden evening . The clouds had cleared away , and the moon was shining . The air was chill , with a bell-like clearness . The alders by the river rustled eerily as she walked by them and out upon the bridge . Here she paced up and down , peering with troubled eyes along the road beyond , or leaning over the rail , looking at the sparkling silver ribbon of moonlight that garlanded the waters . Late travelers passed her , and wondered at her presence and mien . Carl White saw her , and told his wife about her when he got home . `` Striding to and fro over the bridge like mad ! At first I thought it was old , crazy May Blair . What do you suppose she was doing down there at this hour of the night ? '' `` Watching for Ches , no doubt , '' said Cynthia . `` He ai n't home yet . Likely he 's snug at Blairs ' . I do wonder if Thyra suspicions that he goes after Damaris .
I 've never dared XXXXX hint it to her .
At about as by for in like over to with