`` I had so , '' cried Davy , but in the voice of one who doth protest too much . `` No wonder you had n't -- just sitting there like a -- like a mule . '' `` I ai n't going to , ` sociate with the Cottons , '' said Dora loftily . `` The Cottons are all right , '' retorted Davy . `` And they have far better times than we have . They do just as they please and say just what they like before everybody . I 'm going to do that , too , after this . '' `` There are lots of things you would n't dare say before everybody , '' averred Dora . `` No , there is n't . '' `` There is , too . Would you , '' demanded Dora gravely , `` would you say ` tomcat ' before the minister ? '' This was a staggerer . Davy was not prepared for such a concrete example of the freedom of speech . But one did not have to be consistent with Dora . `` Of course not , '' he admitted sulkily . '' ` Tomcat ' is n't a holy word . I would n't mention such an animal before a minister at all . '' `` But if you had to ? '' persisted Dora . `` I 'd call it a Thomas pussy , '' said Davy . ''
I think ` gentleman cat ' would be more polite , '' reflected XXXXX .
Cottons Davy Dora Thomas animal course right staggerer tomcat word