Old Abner Moore died soon after Dick was brought home and it was found he was almost bankrupt . When things were settled up there was nothing for Leslie and Dick but the old West farm . Leslie rented it to John Ward , and the rent is all she has to live on . Sometimes in summer she takes a boarder to help out . But most visitors prefer the other side of the harbor where the hotels and summer cottages are . Leslie 's house is too far from the bathing shore . She 's taken care of Dick and she 's never been away from him for eleven years -- she 's tied to that imbecile for life . And after all the dreams and hopes she once had ! You can imagine what it has been like for her , Anne , dearie -- with her beauty and spirit and pride and cleverness . It 's just been a living death . '' `` Poor , poor girl ! '' said Anne again . Her own happiness seemed to reproach her . What right had she to be so happy when another human soul must be so miserable ? `` Will you tell me just what Leslie said and how she acted the night you met her on the shore ? '' asked Miss Cornelia . She listened intently and nodded her satisfaction . `` YOU thought she was stiff and cold , Anne , dearie , but I can tell you she thawed out wonderful for her . She must have taken to you real strong . I 'm so glad .
You may be able to XXXXX her a good deal .
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