Let us hope for the best . '' `` Yes , let us , '' agreed Anne , whom this cheerful philosophy suited exactly , `` and if Mary Joe proves hard-hearted and wo n't give me any shortbread it does n't matter in the least , so you are not to worry over that . '' `` You 're sure you wo n't mind if she does n't ? '' said Paul anxiously . `` Perfectly sure , dear heart . '' `` Then I wo n't worry , '' said Paul , with a long breath of relief , `` especially as I really think Mary Joe will listen to reason . She 's not a naturally unreasonable person , but she has learned by experience that it does n't do to disobey Grandma 's orders . Grandma is an excellent woman but people must do as she tells them . She was very much pleased with me this morning because I managed at last to eat all my plateful of porridge . It was a great effort but I succeeded . Grandma says she thinks she 'll make a man of me yet . But , teacher , I want to ask you a very important question . You will answer it truthfully , wo n't you ? '' `` I 'll try , '' promised Anne . `` Do you think I 'm wrong in my upper story ? '' asked Paul , as if his very existence depended on her reply . `` Goodness , no , Paul , '' exclaimed Anne in amazement . `` Certainly you 're not . What put such an idea into your head ? '' `` Mary Joe ... but she did n't know I heard her .
Mrs. Peter Sloane 's hired girl , Veronica , came to see Mary Joe last evening and I heard them talking XXXXX the kitchen as I was going through the hall .
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