I did n't like Mrs. Lynde at first either ; but as soon as I came to understand her I learned to . '' `` Mrs. Lynde may be an acquired taste with some folks ; but I did n't keep on eating bananas because I was told I 'd learn to like them if I did , '' growled Mr. Harrison . `` And as for understanding her , I understand that she is a confirmed busybody and I told her so . '' `` Oh , that must have hurt her feelings very much , '' said Anne reproachfully . `` How could you say such a thing ? I said some dreadful things to Mrs. Lynde long ago but it was when I had lost my temper . I could n't say them DELIBERATELY . '' `` It was the truth and I believe in telling the truth to everybody . '' `` But you do n't tell the whole truth , '' objected Anne . `` You only tell the disagreeable part of the truth . Now , you 've told me a dozen times that my hair was red , but you 've never once told me that I had a nice nose . '' `` I daresay you know it without any telling , '' chuckled Mr. Harrison . `` I know I have red hair too ... although it 's MUCH darker than it used to be ... so there 's no need of telling me that either . '' `` Well , well , I 'll try and not mention it again since you 're so sensitive . You must excuse me , Anne . I 've got a habit of being outspoken and folks must n't mind it . '' `` But they ca n't help minding it . And I do n't think it 's any help that it 's your habit . What would you think of a person who went about sticking pins and needles into people and saying , ` Excuse me , you must n't mind it ... it 's just a habit I 've got . ' You 'd think he was crazy , would n't you ?
And as for Mrs. XXXXX being a busybody , perhaps she is .
Anne Harrison Lynde busybody first habit need person pins taste