`` They do have jolly times , '' said Anne , laughing over the recollections of some Rainbow Valley happenings that had come to her ears . `` And they are all brave and frank and loyal and truthful . '' `` That 's a true word , Anne dearie , and when you come to think of all the trouble in the church those two tattling , deceitful youngsters of the last minister 's made , I 'm inclined to overlook a good deal in the Merediths . '' `` When all is said and done , Mrs. Dr. dear , they are very nice children , '' said Susan . `` They have got plenty of original sin in them and that I will admit , but maybe it is just as well , for if they had not they might spoil from over-sweetness . Only I do think it is not proper for them to play in a graveyard and that I will maintain . '' `` But they really play quite quietly there , '' excused Anne . `` They do n't run and yell as they do elsewhere . Such howls as drift up here from Rainbow Valley sometimes ! Though I fancy my own small fry bear a valiant part in them . They had a sham battle there last night and had to ` roar ' themselves , because they had no artillery to do it , so Jem says . Jem is passing through the stage where all boys hanker to be soldiers . '' `` Well , thank goodness , he 'll never be a soldier , '' said Miss Cornelia . `` I never approved of our boys going to that South African fracas . But it 's over , and not likely anything of the kind will ever happen again . I think the world is getting more sensible . As for the Merediths , I 've said many a time and I say it again , if Mr. Meredith had a wife all would be well . '' `` He called twice at the Kirks ' last week , so I am told , '' said Susan . `` Well , '' said Miss Cornelia thoughtfully , `` as a rule , I do n't approve of a minister marrying in his congregation . It generally spoils him .
But in this case it would do no harm , for every one likes Elizabeth Kirk and nobody else is hankering XXXXX the job of stepmothering those youngsters .
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