`` My dear , '' said Miss Marshall gently , `` I want to thank you for your letter , I do n't think you can realize just what it has meant to me . I was so -- so lonely and tired and discouraged . It heartened me right up . I -- I know you have thought me a cross and disagreeable person . I 'm afraid I have been , too . But -- but -- I shall try to be less so in future . If I ca n't succeed all at once do n't mind me because , under it all , I shall always be your friend . And I mean to keep your letter and read it over every time I feel myself getting bitter and hard again . '' `` Dear Miss Marshall , I 'm so glad you liked it , '' said Cyrilla frankly . `` We 're all your friends and would be glad to be chummy with you . Only we thought perhaps we bothered you with our nonsense . '' `` Come and see me sometimes , '' said Miss Marshall with a smile . `` I 'll try to be ` chummy ' -- perhaps I 'm not yet too old to learn the secret of friendliness . Your letter has made me think that I have missed much in shutting all young life out from mine as I have done . I want to reform in this respect if I can . '' When Cyrilla reached the front room she found Mrs. Plunkett there . `` I 've just dropped in , Miss Blair , '' said that worthy woman , `` to say that I dunno as I mind your making candy once in a while if you want to . Only do be careful not to set the place on fire . Please be particularly careful not to set it on fire . '' `` We 'll try , '' promised Cyrilla with dancing eyes .
When the door closed behind Mrs. XXXXX the three girls looked at each other .
Blair Cyrilla Marshall Plunkett cross fire nonsense person right room