Mine never smokes . But it is no more than one might expect when two girls try to keep house without a man about the place . '' `` We get along very well without a man about the place , '' I said loftily . Max had n't been in for four whole days and , though nobody wanted to see him particularly , I could n't help wondering why . `` Men are nuisances . '' `` I dare say you would like to pretend you think so , '' said Aunt Cynthia , aggravatingly . `` But no woman ever does really think so , you know . I imagine that pretty Anne Shirley , who is visiting Ella Kimball , does n't . I saw her and Dr. Irving out walking this afternoon , looking very well satisfied with themselves . If you dilly-dally much longer , Sue , you will let Max slip through your fingers yet . '' That was a tactful thing to say to ME , who had refused Max Irving so often that I had lost count . I was furious , and so I smiled most sweetly on my maddening aunt . `` Dear Aunt , how amusing of you , '' I said , smoothly . `` You talk as if I wanted Max . '' `` So you do , '' said Aunt Cynthia . `` If so , why should I have refused him time and again ? '' I asked , smilingly . Right well Aunt Cynthia knew I had . Max always told her . `` Goodness alone knows why , '' said Aunt Cynthia , `` but you may do it once too often and find yourself taken at your word .
There is something very fascinating XXXXX this Anne Shirley . ''
If about at on so than that to with without