Linda Grant , of all women in this world ! '' `` I did , '' said the teacher with penitent wretchedness . `` It was very careless of me -- I am very sorry . What can I do ? I 'll go down and tell them I made a mistake if you like . '' `` You ca n't do that , '' groaned Miss Cornelia , sitting down and wrinkling up her forehead in dire perplexity . `` It would never do in the world . For pity 's sake , let me think for a minute . '' Miss Cornelia did think -- to good purpose evidently , for her forehead smoothed out as her meditations proceeded and her face brightened . Then she got up briskly . `` Well , you 've done it and no mistake . I do n't know that I 'm sorry , either . Anyhow , we 'll leave it as it is . But you must go straight down now and invite the Smithsons too . And for pity 's sake , do n't make any more mistakes . '' When he had gone Miss Cornelia opened her heart to Hannah . `` I never could have done it myself -- never ; the Turner is too strong in me . But I 'm glad it is done . I 've been wanting for years to make up with Linda . And now the chance has come , thanks to that blessed blundering boy , I mean to make the most of it .
Mind , XXXXX , you never whisper a word about its being a mistake .
Cornelia Grant Hannah Linda Smithsons Turner chance minute sake years