`` It 's just as likely to happen as the worst . '' `` Not in my experience , and I 've fifty-seven years to set against your sixteen , '' retorted Eliza . `` Going , are you ? Well , I hope this new society of yours will be able to keep Avonlea from running any further down hill but I have n't much hope of it . '' Anne and Diana got themselves thankfully out , and drove away as fast as the fat pony could go . As they rounded the curve below the beech wood a plump figure came speeding over Mr. Andrews ' pasture , waving to them excitedly . It was Catherine Andrews and she was so out of breath that she could hardly speak , but she thrust a couple of quarters into Anne 's hand . `` That 's my contribution to painting the hall , '' she gasped . `` I 'd like to give you a dollar but I do n't dare take more from my egg money for Eliza would find it out if I did . I 'm real interested in your society and I believe you 're going to do a lot of good . I 'm an optimist . I HAVE to be , living with Eliza . I must hurry back before she misses me ... she thinks I 'm feeding the hens . I hope you 'll have good luck canvassing , and do n't be cast down over what Eliza said . The world IS getting better ... it certainly is . '' The next house was Daniel Blair 's . `` Now , it all depends on whether his wife is home or not , '' said Diana , as they jolted along a deep-rutted lane . `` If she is we wo n't get a cent . Everybody says Dan Blair does n't dare have his hair cut without asking her permission ; and it 's certain she 's very close , to state it moderately . She says she has to be just before she 's generous .
But Mrs. Lynde says she 's so much ` XXXXX ' that generosity never catches up with her at all . ''
If as before below for from of over to without