`` So Miss Russell 's little white house is YOUR house of dreams , '' said Leslie wonderingly . '' I had a house of dreams once -- but it was a palace , '' she added , with a laugh , the sweetness of which was marred by a little note of derision . `` Oh , I once dreamed of a palace , too , '' said Anne . `` I suppose all girls do . And then we settle down contentedly in eight-room houses that seem to fulfill all the desires of our hearts -- because our prince is there . YOU should have had your palace really , though -- you are so beautiful . You MUST let me say it -- it has to be said -- I 'm nearly bursting with admiration . You are the loveliest thing I ever saw , Mrs. Moore . '' `` If we are to be friends you must call me Leslie , '' said the other with an odd passion . `` Of course I will . And MY friends call me Anne . '' `` I suppose I am beautiful , '' Leslie went on , looking stormily out to sea . `` I hate my beauty . I wish I had always been as brown and plain as the brownest and plainest girl at the fishing village over there . Well , what do you think of Miss Cornelia ? '' The abrupt change of subject shut the door on any further confidences . `` Miss Cornelia is a darling , is n't she ? '' said Anne . `` Gilbert and I were invited to her house to a state tea last week . You 've heard of groaning tables . ''
`` I seem to recall seeing the expression in the newspaper reports of weddings , '' said XXXXX , smiling .
Anne Cornelia Gilbert Leslie Moore Russell brownest course girl house