I can not see why she must be always running down the men , even if she is an old maid . I am an old maid , but you never hear ME abusing the men . I like 'em . I would have married one if I could . Is it not funny nobody ever asked me to marry him , Mrs. Doctor , dear ? I am no beauty , but I am as good-looking as most of the married women you see . But I never had a beau . What do you suppose is the reason ? '' `` It may be predestination , '' suggested Anne , with unearthly solemnity . Susan nodded . `` That is what I have often thought , Mrs. Doctor , dear , and a great comfort it is . I do not mind nobody wanting me if the Almighty decreed it so for His own wise purposes . But sometimes doubt creeps in , Mrs. Doctor , dear , and I wonder if maybe the Old Scratch has not more to do with it than anyone else . I can not feel resigned THEN . But maybe , '' added Susan , brightening up , `` I will have a chance to get married yet . I often and often think of the old verse my aunt used to repeat : There never was a goose so gray but sometime soon or late Some honest gander came her way and took her for his mate ! A woman can not ever be sure of not being married till she is buried , Mrs. Doctor , dear , and meanwhile I will make a batch of cherry pies . I notice the doctor favors 'em , and I DO like cooking for a man who appreciates his victuals . '' Miss Cornelia dropped in that afternoon , puffing a little . `` I do n't mind the world or the devil much , but the flesh DOES rather bother me , '' she admitted .
`` You always look as cool as a cucumber , XXXXX , dearie .
Almighty Anne Cornelia Doctor Scratch Susan afternoon cooking nobody predestination