Аня из Авонлеи
XIII. A Golden Picnic
Jordanmadeherthisgardenandshewascrazyaboutitandspentmostofhertimeinit.Shewasn’tmuchofahousekeeperbutshehadaknackwithflowers.Andthenshegotsick.Mothersaysshethinksshewasinconsumptionbeforesheevercamehere.Sheneverreallylaidupbutjustgrewweakerandweakerallthetime.Jordanwouldn’thaveanybodytowaitonher.Hediditallhimselfandmothersayshewasastenderandgentleasawoman.Everydayhe’dwrapherinashawlandcarryherouttothegardenandshe’dliethereonabenchquitehappy.TheysaysheusedtomakeJordankneeldownbyhereverynightandmorningandpraywithherthatshemightdieoutinthegardenwhenthetimecame.Andherprayerwasanswered.OnedayJordancarriedherouttothebenchandthenhepickedalltherosesthatwereoutandheapedthemoverher;andshejustsmiledupathim...andclosedhereyes...andthat,”concludedDianasoftly,“wastheend.”
“Oh,whatadearstory,”sighedAnne,wipingawayhertears.
“WhatbecameofJordan?”askedPriscilla.
“HesoldthefarmafterHesterdiedandwentbacktoBoston.Mr.JabezSloaneboughtthefarmandhauledthelittlehouseouttotheroad.JordandiedabouttenyearsafterandhewasbroughthomeandburiedbesideHester.”
“Ican’tunderstandhowshecouldhavewantedtolivebackhere,awayfromeverything,”saidJane.
“Oh,IcaneasilyunderstandTHAT,”saidAnnethoughtfully.“Iwouldn’twantitmyselfforasteadything,because,althoughIlovethefieldsandwoods,Ilovepeopletoo.ButIcanunderstanditinHester.
