`` Oh , yes , that is -- I suppose -- I do n't know , '' said Mrs. Grant incoherently . `` I never expected -- yes , you may tell her we 'll come , '' she concluded abruptly . `` Thank you , '' said the abstracted messenger , gravely lifting his hat and looking squarely through Mrs. Grant into unknown regions . When he had gone Mrs. Grant went in and sat down , laughing in a sort of hysterical way . `` I wonder if it is all right . Could Cornelia really have told him ? She must , I suppose , but it is enough to take one 's breath . '' Mrs. Grant and Cornelia Millar were cousins , and had once been the closest of friends , but that was years ago , before some spiteful reports and ill-natured gossip had come between them , making only a little rift at first that soon widened into a chasm of coldness and alienation . Therefore this invitation surprised Mrs. Grant greatly . Miss Cornelia was a maiden lady of certain years , with a comfortable bank account and a handsome , old-fashioned house on the hill behind the village . She always boarded the schoolteachers and looked after them maternally ; she was an active church worker and a tower of strength to struggling ministers and their families . `` If Cornelia has seen fit at last to hold out the hand of reconciliation I 'm glad enough to take it . Dear knows , I 've wanted to make up often enough , but I did n't think she ever would . We 've both of us got too much pride and stubbornness . It 's the Turner blood in us that does it . The Turners were all so set . But I mean to do my part now she has done hers . '' And Mrs. Grant made a final attack on the dishes with a beaming face . When the little Grants came home and heard the news , Teddy stood on his head to express his delight , the twins kissed each other , and Mary Alice and Gordon danced around the kitchen . Keith thought himself too big to betray any joy over a Christmas dinner , but he whistled while doing the chores until the bare welkin in the yard rang , and Teddy , in spite of unheard of misdemeanours , was not collared off into the porch once .
When the young teacher got home from school that evening he found the yellow house full XXXXX all sorts of delectable odours .
around behind if in of over to until while with