`` I must really mend that rent in the curtain tomorrow , '' she said anxiously , inspecting it as if it were the only thing of any importance just then . `` Those curtains have not worn as well as they should , considering the price I paid . Dear me , Charlotta has forgotten to dust the stair railing AGAIN . I really MUST speak to her about it . '' Anne was sitting on the porch steps when Stephen Irving came down the lane and across the garden . `` This is the one place where time stands still , '' he said , looking around him with delighted eyes . `` There is nothing changed about this house or garden since I was here twenty-five years ago . It makes me feel young again . '' `` You know time always does stand still in an enchanted palace , '' said Anne seriously . `` It is only when the prince comes that things begin to happen . '' Mr. Irving smiled a little sadly into her uplifted face , all astar with its youth and promise . `` Sometimes the prince comes too late , '' he said . He did not ask Anne to translate her remark into prose . Like all kindred spirits he `` understood . '' `` Oh , no , not if he is the real prince coming to the true princess , '' said Anne , shaking her red head decidedly , as she opened the parlor door . When he had gone in she shut it tightly behind him and turned to confront Charlotta the Fourth , who was in the hall , all `` nods and becks and wreathed smiles . '' `` Oh , Miss Shirley , ma'am , '' she breathed , `` I peeked from the kitchen window ... and he 's awful handsome ... and just the right age for Miss Lavendar . And oh , Miss Shirley , ma'am , do you think it would be much harm to listen at the door ? '' `` It would be dreadful , Charlotta , '' said Anne firmly , `` so just you come away with me out of the reach of temptation . '' `` I ca n't do anything , and it 's awful to hang round just waiting , '' sighed Charlotta .
`` What if he do n't propose after all , Miss XXXXX , ma'am ?
Anne Charlotta Fourth Irving Lavendar Shirley dust house promise years