` Do n't cry , dear little Rilla-my-Rilla . You have nothing to reproach yourself with in regard to Fred ; and if Leslie West 's son asked you to keep your lips for him , I think you may consider yourself engaged to him . But -- oh , my baby -- my last little baby -- I have lost you -- the war has made a woman of you too soon . ' `` I shall never be too much of a woman to find comfort in mother 's hugs . Nevertheless , when I saw Fred marching by two days later in the parade , my heart ached unbearably . `` But I 'm glad mother thinks I 'm really engaged to Ken ! '' CHAPTER XXII LITTLE DOG MONDAY KNOWS `` It is two years tonight since the dance at the light , when Jack Elliott brought us news of the war . Do you remember , Miss Oliver ? '' Cousin Sophia answered for Miss Oliver . `` Oh , indeed , Rilla , I remember that evening only too well , and you a-prancing down here to show off your party clothes . Did n't I warn you that we could not tell what was before us ? Little did you think that night what was before you . '' `` Little did any of us think that , '' said Susan sharply , `` not being gifted with the power of prophecy . It does not require any great foresight , Sophia Crawford , to tell a body that she will have some trouble before her life is over . I could do as much myself . '' `` We all thought the war would be over in a few months then , '' said Rilla wistfully . `` When I look back it seems so ridiculous that we ever could have supposed it . '' `` And now , two years later , it is no nearer the end than it was then , '' said Miss Oliver gloomily . Susan clicked her knitting-needles briskly . `` Now , Miss Oliver , dear , you know that is not a reasonable remark .
You know we are just two years nearer the end , whenever the end is appointed XXXXX be . ''
at before by for in of since that to with