`` Your father said so when I called at the store to show him the letter . Grandmother Newbury would be very much hurt and displeased if her invitation were disregarded -- you know that . But we leave it to yourselves to decide which one shall go . '' `` Do n't do that , '' implored Frances miserably . `` Pick one of us yourself -- pull straws -- anything to shorten the agony . '' `` No ; you must settle it for yourselves , '' said Mrs. Newbury . But in spite of herself she looked at Cecilia . Cecilia was apt to be looked at , someway , when things were to be given up . Mostly it was Cecilia who gave them up . The family had come to expect it of her ; they all said that Cecilia was very unselfish . Cecilia knew that her mother looked at her , but did not turn her face . She could n't , just then ; she looked away out over the hills and tried to swallow something that came up in her throat . `` Glad I 'm not a girl , '' said Ralph , when Mrs. Newbury had gone into the house . `` Whew ! Nothing could induce me to give up that picnic -- not if a dozen Grandmother Newburys were offended . Where 's your sparkle gone now , Fran ? '' `` It 's too bad of Grandmother Newbury , '' declared Frances angrily . `` Oh , Fran , she did n't know about the picnic , '' said Cecilia -- but still without turning round . `` Well , she need n't always be so annoyed if we do n't go when we are invited . Another day would do just as well , '' said Frances shortly .
Something XXXXX her voice sounded choked too .
about at for if in into of that to without