`` I do n't think Gilbert thought her attack very serious , '' said Anne . `` Oh , that may very well be , '' said Miss Cornelia . `` But the matter has made an awful lot of talk and the Meads being Methodists makes it that much worse . What is going to become of those children ? Sometimes I ca n't sleep at nights for thinking about them , Anne dearie . I really do question if they get enough to eat , even , for their father is so lost in dreams that he does n't often remember he has a stomach , and that lazy old woman does n't bother cooking what she ought . They are just running wild and now that school is closing they 'll be worse than ever . '' `` 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 XXXXX that South African fracas .
as because if in of over than that through to