If he stayed long in Avonlea,
one of two things was bound to happen. He would hear the story I
had told about him and deny it, and I would be held up to shame
and derision for the rest of my natural life; or else he would
simply go away in ignorance, and everybody would suppose he had
forgotten me and would pity me maddeningly. The latter
possibility was bad enough, but it wasn't to be compared to the
former; and oh, how I prayed--yes, I DID pray about it--that he
would go right away. But Providence had other views for me.
Cecil Fenwick didn't go away. He stayed right on in Avonlea, and
the Maxwells blossomed out socially in his honor and tried to
give him a good time. Mrs. Maxwell gave a party for him. I got
a card--but you may be very sure I didn't go, although Nancy
thought I was crazy not to. Then every one else gave parties in
honor of Mr. Fenwick and I was invited and never went.
Wilhelmina Mercer came and pleaded and scolded and told me if I
avoided Mr. Fenwick like that he would think I still cherished
bitterness against him, and he wouldn't make any advances towards
a reconciliation. Wilhelmina means well, but she hasn't a great
deal of sense.
Cecil Fenwick seemed to be a great favorite with everybody, young
and old. He was very rich, too, and Wilhelmina declared that
half the girls were after him.
"If it wasn't for you, Miss Holmes, I believe I'd have a try for
him myself, in spite of his gray hair and quick temper--for Mrs.
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