Peggy and I were up in the south-west room at dusk that evening , piecing a quilt , when we heard Mr. Malcolm MacPherson shouting out in the hall below to know if anyone was home . I ran out to the landing , but as I did so Aunt Olivia came out of her room , brushed past me , and flitted downstairs . `` Mr. MacPherson , '' I heard her say with double-distilled primness , `` will you please come into the parlour ? I have something to say to you . '' They went in , and I returned to the south-west room . `` Peg , there 's trouble brewing , '' I said . `` I 'm sure of it by Aunt Olivia 's face , it was GRAY . And she has gone down ALONE -- and shut the door . '' `` I am going to hear what she says to him , '' said Peggy resolutely . `` It is her own fault -- she has spoiled us by always insisting that we should be present at their interviews . That poor man has had to do his courting under our very eyes . Come on , Mary . '' The south-west room was directly over the parlour and there was an open stovepipe-hole leading up therefrom . Peggy removed the hat box that was on it , and we both deliberately and shamelessly crouched down and listened with all our might . It was easy enough to hear what Mr. Malcolm MacPherson was saying . `` I 've come up to get the date settled , Nillie , as I told you . Come now , little woman , name the day . '' SMACK ! `` Do n't , Mr. MacPherson , '' said Aunt Olivia . She spoke as a woman who has keyed herself up to the doing of some very distasteful task and is anxious to have it over and done with as soon as possible .
`` There is something I must say XXXXX you .
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