"Oh dear, dear Marilla," cried Jane with the warmest embrace. "We have missed you so much, and are so glad to get you back. Why it hasn't seemed the same house, and everybody has wanted you. Dr. Richards, that Mrs. McCormick died this morning and Miss Armitage was there until noon. Five little children left, think of it, she came home and went straight to bed, but she's had a cup of tea and will be down in a few minutes."