`` Now do n't be worrying yourself over that , Nillie , '' he protested . `` Why , I do n't mind a litter , bless you ! '' How good and jolly he was , that Mr. Malcolm MacPherson ! Such songs as he sang , such stories as he told , such a breezy , unconventional atmosphere as he brought into that prim little house , where stagnant dullness had reigned for years ! He worshipped Aunt Olivia , and his worship took the concrete form of presents galore . He brought her a present almost every visit -- generally some article of jewelry . Bracelets , rings , chains , ear-drops , lockets , bangles , were showered upon our precise little aunt ; she accepted them deprecatingly , but never wore them . This hurt him a little , but she assured him she would wear them all sometimes . `` I am not used to jewelry , Mr. MacPherson , '' she would tell him . Her engagement ring she did wear -- it was a rather `` loud '' combination of engraved gold and opals . Sometimes we caught her turning it on her finger with a very troubled face . `` I would be sorry for Mr. Malcolm MacPherson if he were not so much in love with her , '' said Peggy . `` But as he thinks that she is perfection he does n't need sympathy . '' `` I am sorry for Aunt Olivia , '' I said . `` Yes , Peggy , I am . Mr. MacPherson is a splendid man , but Aunt Olivia is a born old maid , and it is outraging her very nature to be anything else . Do n't you see how it 's hurting her ? His big , splendid man-ways are harrowing her very soul up -- she ca n't get out of her little , narrow groove , and it is killing her to be pulled out . '' `` Nonsense ! '' said Peggy .
Then she added with a laugh , `` Mary , did you ever see anything so funny as Aunt Olivia sitting on ` Mr. Malcolm XXXXX 's ' knee ? ''
Bracelets MacPherson Nillie Olivia Peggy ear-drops lockets man-ways opals years