Miss Patty and Miss Maria still sit by the fireplace and knit . And that reminds me -- we 've brought you a wedding gift from them , Anne . Guess what it is . '' `` I never could . How did they know I was going to be married ? '' `` Oh , I told them . I was there last week . And they were so interested . Two days ago Miss Patty wrote me a note asking me to call ; and then she asked if I would take her gift to you . What would you wish most from Patty 's Place , Anne ? '' `` You ca n't mean that Miss Patty has sent me her china dogs ? '' `` Go up head . They 're in my trunk this very moment . And I 've a letter for you . Wait a moment and I 'll get it . '' `` Dear Miss Shirley , '' Miss Patty had written , `` Maria and I were very much interested in hearing of your approaching nuptials . We send you our best wishes . Maria and I have never married , but we have no objection to other people doing so . We are sending you the china dogs . I intended to leave them to you in my will , because you seemed to have sincere affection for them .
But XXXXX and I expect to live a good while yet -LRB- D.V. -RRB- , so I have decided to give you the dogs while you are young .
Anne Maria Miss Patty Place Shirley nuptials objection people wishes