This page offers a line-by-line comparison of the original (1926) edition of L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle and the Bantam-Seal paperback edition published in 1988.
{ Chapter 1 } { Chapter 2 } { Chapter 3 } { Chapter 4 } { Chapter 5 } { Chapter 6 } { Chapter 7 } { Chapter 8 } { Chapter 9 } { Chapter 10 } { Chapter 11 } { Chapter 12 } { Chapter 13 } { Chapter 14 } { Chapter 15 } { Chapter 16 } { Chapter 17 } { Chapter 18 } { Chapter 19 } { Chapter 20 } { Chapter 21 } { Chapter 22 } { Chapter 23 } { Chapter 24 } { Chapter 25 } { Chapter 26 } { Chapter 27 } { Chapter 28 } { Chapter 29 } { Chapter 30 } { Chapter 31 } { Chapter 32 } { Chapter 33 } { Chapter 34 } { Chapter 35 } { Chapter 36 } { Chapter 37 } { Chapter 38 } { Chapter 39 } { Chapter 40 } { Chapter 41 } { Chapter 42 } { Chapter 43 } { Chapter 44 } { Chapter 45 }
Chapter 1
Chapter I [1] / 1 [1]
still necessarily handsome. At twenty, he was ascetic, dreamy, spiritual. At twenty-five, [6] / still necessarily handsome. At twenty-five, [4]
beauty, popularity, love,—would [10] / beauty, popularity, love—would [8]
And, besides, she could not get [13] / And besides, she could not get [9]
in a tone that implied no one [13] / in a tone that implies no one [10]
she had the two hundred dollars that her father had put in the bank for her the day she was born. She was never allowed to use even the interest of this, but she would secretly take out enough to pay Dr. Trent. [14] / she had the two hundred dollars that her father had put in the bank for her the day she was born, but she would secretly take out enough to pay Dr. Trent. She was never allowed to use even the interest of this. [10]
authority on heart disease, [14] / authority on heart-disease [10]
You couldn’t patronise [14] / You couldn’t patronize [10]
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Chapter 2
Chapter II [15] / 2 [11]
small, three-cornered, white face. [17] / small, three cornered, white face. [12]
the family high cheekbones [hyphen at end of line] [17] / the family high cheek-bones [12]
her narrow, white face [17] / her narrow white face [13]
her forehead, with puffs above the ears, [17] / her forehead with puffs above the ears, [13]
violently coloured advertisements [19] / violently coloured advertisments [14]
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Chapter 3
Chapter III [20] / 3 [14]
two teaspoonfuls extravagant [20] / two teaspoons extravagant [14]
She was not even allowed to go to church. [21] / She was not allowed to go to church. [15]
“The Stirlings seldom take colds,” [21] / “The Stirling seldom take cold,” [15]
Valancy’s unbearable grievance [21] / Valancy’s umbearable grievance [15]
because we love them they will be very kind [25] / because we love them, they will be very kind [18]
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Chapter 4
Chapter IV [27] / 4 [19]
a very pretty little house, [28] / a very pretty house, [20]
the smart set had them; for even Deerwood [29] / the smart set had them, for even Deerwood [21]
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Chapter 5
Chapter V [31] / 5 [22]
“M-i-r-a-g-e is pronounced mirazh,” [32] / “M-i-r-a-g-e is pronounced mirazh,” [23]
Valancy stopped suddenly aghast at her own recklessness. [33] / Valancy stopped suddenly, aghast at her own recklessness. [24]
Dr. Stalling stood up [34] / Dr Stalling stood up [24]
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Chapter 6
Chapter VI [37] / 6 [26]
not so dreadful, after all. [37] / not so dreadful after all. [26]
jerked open the street door [37] / jerked open the door [26]
earnestly talking over their little secrets. [39] / earnestly talking over their secrets. [27]
hideous with his howls [41] / hideous with howls [29]
overlong, tawny hair, dashed with red, [41] / overlong tawny hair dashed with red, [29]
at a raffish angle, [42] / at a rakish angle, [29]
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Chapter 7
Chapter VII [44] / 7 [31]
untouched of rust or spider; [44] / untouched by rust or spider; [31]
without consulting me!” [45] / without consulting me!” [32]
the severed branches [45] / the several branches [32]
It must be from Doctor Trent. [47] / It must be from Dr. Trent. [33]
whenever her attacks came on. [49] / whenever her attacks come on. [35]
The question had to be asked. [51] / The question has to be asked. [36]
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Chapter 8
Chapter VIII [53] / 8 [37]
a discovery that surprised her: [53] / a discovery that surprised her; [37]
the hall below struck twelve Valancy suddenly [55] / the hall below struck twelve, Valancy suddenly [38]
harping on the old ones,” thought Valancy. [56] / harping on the old ones.” thought Valancy. [40]
her exceedingly bad behavior [61] / her exceeding bad behavior [43]
“But, O God, you know [62] / “But O God, you know [43–44]
she recalled herself, sitting there [63] / she recalled herself sitting there [45]
When it was over something had happened [64] / When it was over, something had happened [45]
hope is a slave.” [64] / hope is a slave.’” [46]
“I’m sick of the fragrance of dead things,” [65] / “I’m sick of fragrance of dead things,” [46]
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Chapter 9
Chapter IX [66] / 9 [46]
Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings [66] / Not for words would any of the Stirlings [46]
with the rosebush, of course; [66] / with the rosebush of course; [46]
—and had gone on reading it. [67] / —and had gone on reading it. [47]
his horse’s hoofs [70] / his horse’s hooves [49]
Roaring Abel’s periodical sprees [71] / Roaring Abel’s periodic sprees [50]
Aunt Alberta’s spare-room [71] / Aunt Alberta’s spareroom [50]
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Chapter 10
Chapter X [72] / 10 [51]
dulness and vacuity. [73] / dullness and vacuity. [51]
didn’t want to go she had neuritis [74] / didn’t want to go, she had neuritis [53]
great pouches under eyes [76] / great pouches under his eyes [54]
they were in Milton’s expressive phrase, [76] / they were, in Milton’s expressive phrase, [54]
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Chapter 11
Chapter XI [80] / 11 [57]
on the part of Valancy, began to tremble [82] / on the part of Valancy began to tremble [59]
a beauty parlor [84] / a beauty parlour [60]
stately and majestic, as usual, but it sounded [84] / stately and majestic, as usual but it sounded [60]
Aunt Isabel herself, which of course, destroyed it. [85] / Aunt Isabel herself which, of course, destroyed it. [61]
Quoted and signed to do a deed of shame’,” [88] / Quoted and signed to do a deed of shame,’” [63]
pleased over managing to work [88] / pleased over the managing to work [63]
Cousin Gladys’ thimble party, [90] / Cousin Gladys’s thimble party, [64]
Insulting us! [93] / Insulting us! [66]
the story of the bannister. [94] / the story of the banister. [67]
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Chapter 12
Chapter XII [98] / 12 [70]
some one with her [98] / someone with her [70]
some one who really cared [98] / someone who really cared [70]
soon be better;” [98] / soon be better”; [70]
Their faces—oh, their faces! [99] / Their faces! [70]
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Chapter 13
Chapter XIII [101] / 13 [71]
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Chapter 14
Chapter XIV [105] / 14 [74]
in time to his Scotch songs. [106] / in time to his Scottish songs. [75]
most ministers, which made him a terror [107–8] / most ministers which made him a terror [76]
Four years previously [109] / Four years previosly [77]
nobody to do anything for her—nobody?” [110] / nobody to do anything for her—nobody?” [78]
She’d made some punkin jam [110] / She’d make some punkin jam [78]
If I shaved every Sunday and went to church [112] / If I shaved every Saturday and went to church [79]
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Chapter 15
Chapter XV [114] / 15 [80]
‘Doss, where are you going?’ [114] / ‘Doss, where are you going?’ [81]
Your character will be gone for ever [115] / Your character will be gone forever [81]
a bad girl like Sis Gay.’ [115] / a bad girl like Sis Gay. [81]
Go hang!” [116] / Go hang!” [82]
Just like that, ‘None!’” [116] / Just like that, ‘None!’” [82]
‘Oh, darn!’” [117] / ‘Oh, darn!’” [83]
about the bannister. [117] / about the banister. [83]
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Chapter 16
Chapter XVI [119] / 16 [84]
a slight, blossom-like girl, [121] / a slight blossom-like girl, [85]
a tired, broken flower? [121] / a tired broken flower? [85]
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Chapter 17
Chapter XVII [123] / 17 [86]
neatness and cleanliness. [124] / neatness and cleanlines. [87]
he just makes a noise. [125] / he just makes noise. [88]
a woman that ain’t afraid to speak up to me. [125] / a woman that ain’t afraid to speak to me. [88]
so terrible—the long, lonely days and nights [126] / so terrible—long, lonely days and nights [88]
I don’t think you are strong [126] / I dont think you are strong [89]
every one has a different name [127] / every one had a different name [89]
her two thin little hands [127] / her two thin hands [89]
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Chapter 18
Chapter XVIII [128] / 18 [90]
over the rocks in that crazy lane. [128] / over the rocks in the crazy lane. [90]
now seen close, were deep violet [128] / now seen close were deep violet [90]
“Why?” asked Valancy slily, [131] / “Why?” asked Valancy slyly, [92]
“It will be a relief [131] / “It will be relief [92]
walking down through the barrens, [132] / walkling down through the barrens, [92]
she could read John Foster’s books as long as she liked. She read them in bed if she wanted to. [135] / she could read John Foster’s book as long as she wanted to. [95]
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Chapter 19
Chapter XIX [136] / 19 [95]
We won’t judge your harshly. [136] / We won’t judge you harshly. [96]
Uncle James’ coat-tails [138] / Uncle James’s coat-tails [97]
She had always been queer. He, Dr. Stalling, had never been able to understand her. Therefore, beyond doubt, she was queer. She was only just a little queerer than usual now. [138] / She had always been queer. She was only just a little queerer than usual now. [97]
“About what?” [140] / “About what?” [98]
“I command. [142] / “I command. [100]
What they are saying?” [143] / What the are saying?” [101]
have to wait,” [144] / have to wait,” [101]
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Chapter 20
Chapter XX [145] / 20 [102]
a pair of silk stockings, to match, [145] / a pair of silk stockings to match [102]
to give a free service [146] / to give free service [103]
just her old maidishness. [148] / just her old-maidishness. [104]
the little, twisty hat over hair. [149] / the little, twisty hat over her hair. [105]
party “up back” might be life [149–50] / party “up back” might be like [105]
“I hope you’ll enjoy it, dear,” [150] / “I hope you’ll enjoy it,” [105]
the crowd at the doorway. [152] / the crowds at the doorway. [107]
come up to look after her. [155] / come to look after her. [109]
she had even been in a car. [155] / she had ever been in a car. [109]
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Chapter 21
Chapter XXI [157] / 21 [110]
anything worth while saying [157] / anything worthwhile saying [110]
unimportant, little, old maid [158] / unimportant, little old maid [111]
different from young,” [160] / different from young,” [113]
Why,”—she had [160] / Why”—she had [113]
as he recognised her. [162] / as he recognized her. [114]
how came you here!” [162] / how came you here!” [115]
tilted down over one eye. Olive stared. In the moonlight Valancy’s eyes—Valancy’s smile— [165] / tilted down over one eye—Valancy’s smile— [116]
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Chapter 22
Chapter XXII [167] / 22 [117]
in each other’s eyes. [167] / in each other’s eye. [118]
a low-necked dress [167] / a low-neck dress [118]
Hating the rubber-plant. [168] / Hating the rubberplant. [118]
He’d give her an outing [169] / He’d given her an outing [119]
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Chapter 23
Chapter XXIII [170] / 23 [119]
I didn’t—understand. [170] / I didn’t understand. [120]
he didn’t love me any more. [171] / he didn’t love me anymore. [120]
think me bad——” [171] / think me bad—” [120]
And my baby was so sweet while he lived. I was even happy—I loved him so much, the dear little thing. He was so sweet, Valancy—with such lovely blue eyes— [171] / And my baby was so sweet, Valancy—with such lovely blue eyes— [120]
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Chapter 24
Chapter XXIV [175] / 24 [122]
the day of the funeral. [175] / the day of burial. [122]
come home now?” [178] / come home now?” [125]
going to stay here,” [178] / going to stay here,” [125]
all those ‘up back” people [178] / all those “up back” people [125]
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Chapter 25
Chapter XXV [179] / 25 [125]
straight in the eyes, while all the dead Stirlings [181] / straight in the eyes while all the dead Stirlings [127]
live back on my island. [183] / live on my island. [129]
and get a license. [184] / and get a licence. [129]
her little, cold ones [184] / her little cold ones [129]
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Chapter 26
Chapter XXVI [185] / 26 [130]
except that Barney was coming for her. [185] / except Barnet was coming for her. [130]
the little, slanting, distorting mirror [187] / the little slanting, distorting mirror [131]
green hat and dress; Barney in shirt [187] / green hat and dress. Barney in shirt [131]
no wedding-cake [187] / no wedding cake [131]
Adorable animiles. [189] / Adorable animals. [133]
to get my license. [190] / to get my licence. [134]
a diaphanous, lilac mist [191] / a diaphanous lilac mist [134]
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Chapter 27
Chapter XXVII [192] / 27 [135]
it’s a wonderful chance [195] / its a wonderful chance [137]
Barney Snaith last Tuesday evening in Port Lawrence. [196] / Barney Smith last Tuesday evening at Port Lawrence. [138]
goes to church,” [197] / goes to church,” [139]
a repentant, returned prodigal. [198] / a repentant returned prodigal. [139]
full of blood-red roses. [198] / full of bloodred roses. [139]
canoe ride around Mistawis [199] / canoe ride around Mistawa [140]
her defenceless family [199] / her defenseless family [140]
right into a grim assemblage [199] / right into grim assemblage [140]
“God bless my soul!” he said dully. [200] / “God bless my soul,” he said dully. [141]
Cousin Sarah said, “Oh, Doss!” [204] / Cousin Sarah said, “Oh, Doss!” [144]
“Doss, dear,” said Cousin Georgiana [205] / “Doss dear,” said Cousin Georgiana [145]
Mrs. Frederick, with a mournful dignity. [205] / Mrs. Frederick with a mournful dignity. [145]
it isn’t his real name wouldn’t that make the marriage [206] / it isn’t his real name, wouldn’t that make the marriage [145]
“What—what,” [207] / “What—what,” [146]
Valancy!” [207] / Valancy!” [146]
such a statement had been made. [207] / such statement had been made. [146]
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Chapter 28
Chapter XXVIII [208] / 28 [146]
Valancy, bareheaded, [208] / Valancy bareheaded, [146]
go in to Uncle Benjamin’s store [208] / go into Uncle Benjamin’s store [147]
Anybody could call me a pup. [209] / Anybody could be a pup. [147]
exquisite views of exquisite Mistawis. [210] / exquisite view of exquisite Mistawis. [148]
a hideous, red-plush sofa [211] / a hideous red-plush sofa [148]
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Chapter 29
Chapter XXIX [214] / 29 [150]
under the changing clouds were something [214] / under the changing clouds, were something [150]
to silver the Mistawis dusk. [215] / to silver the Mistawis. [151]
protested Valancy,“ if you want to. [218] / protested Valancy, “if you want to. [153]
But, Moonlight,”—he stopped [218] / But, Moonlight”—he stopped [153]
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Chapter 30
Chapter XXX [220] / 30 [154]
every receptacle that Valancy could contrive [221] / every receptacle that Valance could contrive [155]
whose banks Naiads might have sunned [221] / whose banks naiads might have sunned [155]
spent it in pretty clothes. [223] / spent it on pretty clothes. [156]
when they spent the evening at home [223] / when they spent the evenings at home [156–57]
between your collar bones. [223] / between your collarbones. [157]
You belong to the woods, Moonlight— [223] / You belong to the woods. Moonlight— [157]
“Shure an’ ye’ve kissed [223] / “Sure a’ ye’ve kissed [157]
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Chapter 31
Chapter XXXI [225] / 31 [158]
pageant of color around Mistawis, into which [226] / pageant of colour around Mistawis into which [159]
inscrutable cats seemed cosier [228] / inscrutable cats, seemed cosier [160]
the glow of that winter sunset [229] / the glow of winter sunset, [161]
old Greece and Rome, sung, [229] / old Greece and Rome sung, [161]
before the wind, in an exhilaration [232] / before the wind in an exhilaration [163]
in the stay gleams. [232] / in the stray gleams. [163]
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Chapter 32
Chapter XXXII [234] / 32 [165]
and ‘a jolly goode booke whereon to looke’ are a fair substitute [235] / and ‘a jolly goode booke’ are a fair substitute [165]
wailing cry of boding and mystery. [236] / wailing cry of brooding and mystery. [167]
until the Blue Castles re-echoed. [237] / until the Blue Castle reechoed. [167]
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Chapter 33
Chapter XXXIII [240] / 33 [169]
winnow away a shower of slender petals. [241] / winnow away in a shower of slender petals. [170]
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Chapter 34
Chapter XXXIV [243] / 34 [171]
Q. E. D., Mistress Barney Snaith [244] / Q.E.D., Mistress Barney Snaith [172]
wanted to paint me. Me! [245] / wanted to paint me. Me! [173]
a birch-bark cup; [246] / a birchbark cup; [174]
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Chapter 35
Chapter XXXV [248] / 35 [175]
over the tree-tops [249] / over the treetops [176]
loitering to gather June-bells [249] / loitering to gather Junebells [176]
a thought that seemed to burn it [251] / an thought that seemed to burn it [177]
Why! / Was it possible [251] / Why? / Was it possible [177]
very eloquent. Had the same thought [251] / very eloquent: Had the same thought [177]
must be something serious [252] / must be somethng serious [178]
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Chapter 36
Chapter XXXVI [254] / 36 [179]
hollow of the old pine and crossed [256] / hollow of the old pine, and crossed [180]
Chapter 37
Chapter XXXVII [257] / 37 [181]
a sallow, faded, little old maid. [261] / a sallow, faded little old maid. [183]
Jail-bird? Defaulter? [261] / Jailbird? Defaulter? [184]
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Chapter 38
Chapter XXXVIII [262] / 38 [184]
waiting for her and Valancy [264] / waiting for her, and Valancy [185–86]
To be obliged to sit still when mental agony [269] / To be obliged to sit when mental agony [189]
honest-to-goodness Canadian Magazine.’ [271] / honest-to-goodness Canadian magazine. [190]
B. A. from McGill. [271] / B.A. from McGill. [191]
a P. O. box there. [273] / a P.O. Box there. [192]
But, of course, that’s all off now. [274] / But of course, that’s all off now. [193]
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Chapter 39
Chapter XXXIX [276] / 39 [194]
when a runaway wife decamped [276] / when a runaway life decamped [194]
A bundle of galley-proofs. [277] / A bundle of galley proofs. [195]
the fifteen thousand dollar gift [279] / the fifteen-thousand-dollar gift [197]
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Chapter 40
Chapter XL [281] / 40 [198]
because of—of some trouble— [285] / because of—of—some trouble— [201]
wave and frown seemed to say. [285] / wave and wave and frown seemed to say. [201]
we’ll talk it all over later. [285] / we’ll talk it over later. [201]
into my store with Valancy. [287] / into the store with Valancy. [202]
will Snaith forgive us!” [288] / will Snaith forgive us!” [203]
if she wouldn’t like a cup of tea. [289] / if she would like a cup of tea. [204]
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Chapter 41
Chapter XLI [290] / 41 [204]
remember every one, God! [291] / remember every one. God! [205]
They are mine,” thought [292] / They are mine,” thought [206]
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Chapter 42
Chapter XLII [293] / 42 [206]
down in a minte.” [294] / down in a minute.” [207]
“Oh, Mother.” [294] / “Oh Mother.” [207]
She understood that she might as well [294] / She understand that she might as well [207]
I know. I know all about Ethel Traverse [295] / I know all about Ethel Traverse [208]
you see I’d always such a thick thatch. [298] / you see, I’d always such a thick thatch. [210]
“Well,”—Barney got up [300] / “Well”—Barney got up [212]
Was she, Valancy being called “darling”? [302] / Was she, Valancy, being called “darling”? [213]
“I can’t believe you care for me,” [303] / “I can’t believe you care for me,” [213]
old Doc Redfern’s son [304] / old Doc. Redfern’s son [214]
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Chapter 43
Chapter XLIII [305] / 43 [215]
the dark cypress-trees. [306] / the dark cypress trees. [216]
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Chapter 44
Chapter XLIV [308] / 44 [217]
that Mistawis hut and cured her. [308] / that Mistawis hut, and cured her. [217]
collar ad men.’ [308] / collar-ad men.’ [217]
no collar ad man. Though I must say [308] / no collar-ad man. Thought I must say [217]
“Old Doc Redfern [308] / “Old Doc. Redfern [217]
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Chapter 45
Chapter XLV [310] / 45 [218]
Cousin Sarah and Aunt Alberta [310] / Cousin Sarah and Aunt Amelia [218]
no spot or place or home [310] / no spot or palace or home [218]
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