Chapter 1
19
about children and they’ll expect him to be wiser than and steadier than this own grandfather. (begin subscript)^(end subscript)(begin superscript)W(end superscript) It seems odd to uncanny to think of a child at Green Gables somehow: here’s never been one there for Matthew and Marilla were grown up when the new house was built. (begin subscript)^(end subscript)(begin superscript)X(end superscript) I wouldn’t be in that orphan’s shoes for anything. My, but I pity him, that’s what.”
So said Mrs. Rachel to the wild rose bushes out of the fullness of her heart; but if she could have seen the child who was waiting patiently at the Bright River station at that very moment her pity would have been still deeper and more profound.
LMM Notes
LMM Note W:
if so be's as he ever had a grandfather which is doubtful.
[In the published version of the text, this phrase is written as "if so be's he ever"]
LMM Note X:
— if they ever were children which is hard to believe when one looks at them.