said Mrs. Gardner , with a slight intonation of tolerant wonder . Anne , despite her affection for Rusty , was not especially fond of cats , but Mrs. Gardner 's tone annoyed her . Inconsequently she remembered that Mrs. John Blythe was so fond of cats that she kept as many as her husband would allow . `` They ARE adorable animals , are n't they ? '' she said wickedly . `` I have never liked cats , '' said Mrs. Gardner remotely . `` I love them , '' said Dorothy . `` They are so nice and selfish . Dogs are TOO good and unselfish . They make me feel uncomfortable . But cats are gloriously human . '' `` You have two delightful old china dogs there . May I look at them closely ? '' said Aline , crossing the room towards the fireplace and thereby becoming the unconscious cause of the other accident . Picking up Magog , she sat down on the cushion under which was secreted Priscilla 's chocolate cake . Priscilla and Anne exchanged agonized glances but could do nothing . The stately Aline continued to sit on the cushion and discuss china dogs until the time of departure . Dorothy lingered behind a moment to squeeze Anne 's hand and whisper impulsively . `` I KNOW you and I are going to be chums . Oh , Roy has told me all about you .
I 'm the only one XXXXX the family he tells things to , poor boy -- nobody COULD confide in mamma and Aline , you know .
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