Do n't get to mooning over a story , Agnes . I 'll lock the library up and fortunately there are no fiddles at the Pinery . Above all , do n't let any of the McGinnises in . They 'll be sure to be prowling around when I 'm not home . Do n't give that dog of theirs any scraps either . That is Miranda Mary 's one fault . She will feed that dog in spite of all I can do and I ca n't walk out of my own back door without falling over him . '' We promise to eschew the McGinnises and all their works , including the dog , and when Aunt Susanna had gone we looked at each other with mingled hope and fear . `` Girls , this is the chance of your lives , '' said Laura . `` If you can only please Aunt Susanna with this dinner it will convince her that you are good cooks in spite of your nefarious bent for music and literature . I consider the illness of Miranda Mary 's mother a Providential interposition -- that is , if she is n't too sick . '' `` It 's all very well for you to be pleased , Lolla , '' I said dolefully . `` But I do n't feel jubilant over the prospect at all . Something will probably go wrong . And then there 's our own nice little Thanksgiving celebration we 've planned , and pinched and economized for weeks to provide . That is half spoiled now . '' `` Oh , what is that compared to Margaret 's chance of going to college ? '' exclaimed Kate . `` Cheer up , Aggie . You know we can cook .
I feel that it is now or never XXXXX Aunt Susanna . ''
Above If around at for in of over that with