`` Now , dearie , what is the matter ? '' she said , tenderly patting the brown head . Madge sobbed out the whole story disconsolately . Burton 's father would not let him marry her because she was an Oliver . And , oh , what would she do ? `` Do n't worry , Madge , '' said Miss Susan comfortingly . `` I 'll soon settle old John Ellis . '' `` Why , what can you do ? '' asked Madge forlornly . Miss Susan squared her shoulders and looked amused . `` You 'll see . I know old John Ellis better than he knows himself . He is the most contrary man the Lord ever made . I went to school with him . I learned how to manage him then , and I have n't forgotten how . I 'm going straight up to interview him . '' `` Are you sure that will do any good ? '' said Madge doubtfully . `` If you go to him and take Burton 's and my part , wo n't it only make him worse ? '' `` Madge , dear , '' said Miss Susan , busily twisting her scanty , iron-grey hair up into a hard little knob at the back of her head before Madge 's glass , `` you just wait .
I 'm not young , and I 'm not pretty , and I 'm not in love , but I 've more gumption XXXXX you and Burton have or ever will have .
If Oliver Susan at because before into of than to