`` You just have to watch him as if he were a mere child . Did n't I catch him yesterday starting off to school in his carpet slippers ? And in spite of me he got away today in that ridiculous summer hat . You 'd better set that jelly in the out-pantry to cool , Hannah ; it looks good . We 'll give those poor little Smithsons a feast for once in their lives if they never get another . '' At this juncture the hall door flew open and Mr. Palmer appeared on the threshold . He seemed considerably agitated and for once his eyes had lost their look of space-searching . `` Miss Millar , I am afraid I did make a mistake this morning -- it has just dawned on me . I am almost sure that I called at Mrs. Grant 's and invited her and her family instead of the Smithsons . And she said they would come . '' Miss Cornelia 's face was a study . `` Mr. Palmer , '' she said , flourishing her crimping fork tragically , `` do you mean to say you went and invited Linda Grant here tomorrow ? 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 XXXXX did think -- to good purpose evidently , for her forehead smoothed out as her meditations proceeded and her face brightened .
Cornelia Grant Hannah Millar Palmer Smithsons minute morning out-pantry space-searching