`` And they have far better times than we have . They do just as they please and say just what they like before everybody . I 'm going to do that , too , after this . '' `` There are lots of things you would n't dare say before everybody , '' averred Dora . `` No , there is n't . '' `` There is , too . Would you , '' demanded Dora gravely , `` would you say ` tomcat ' before the minister ? '' This was a staggerer . Davy was not prepared for such a concrete example of the freedom of speech . But one did not have to be consistent with Dora . `` Of course not , '' he admitted sulkily . '' ` Tomcat ' is n't a holy word . I would n't mention such an animal before a minister at all . '' `` But if you had to ? '' persisted Dora . `` I 'd call it a Thomas pussy , '' said Davy . '' I think ` gentleman cat ' would be more polite , '' reflected Dora . `` YOU thinking ! '' retorted Davy with withering scorn . Davy was not feeling comfortable , though he would have died before he admitted it to Dora .
Now that the exhilaration XXXXX truant delights had died away , his conscience was beginning to give him salutary twinges .
after as at before for if of than though with