Moreover , he was crying , as Rilla knew from experience , with a vim and energy that betokened that he had been already whimpering softly unheard for some time and was thoroughly exasperated . When Jims started in crying like that he made a thorough job of it . Rilla knew that there was no use to sit still and pretend to ignore him . He would n't stop ; and conversation of any kind was out of the question when such shrieks and howls were floating over your head . Besides , she was afraid Kenneth would think she was utterly unfeeling if she sat still and let a baby cry like that . He was not likely acquainted with Morgan 's invaluable volume . She got up . `` Jims has had a nightmare , I think . He sometimes has one and he is always badly frightened by it . Excuse me for a moment . '' Rilla flew upstairs , wishing quite frankly that soup tureens had never been invented . But when Jims , at sight of her , lifted his little arms entreatingly and swallowed several sobs , with tears rolling down his cheeks , resentment went out of her heart . After all , the poor darling was frightened . She picked him up gently and rocked him soothingly until his sobs ceased and his eyes closed . Then she essayed to lay him down in his crib . Jims opened his eyes and shrieked a protest . This performance was repeated twice . Rilla grew desperate . She could n't leave Ken down there alone any longer -- she had been away nearly half an hour already . With a resigned air she marched downstairs , carrying Jims , and sat down on the veranda .
It was , no doubt , a ridiculous thing XXXXX sit and cuddle a contrary war-baby when your best young man was making his farewell call , but there was nothing else to be done .
After Besides by down in like on to until with