`` But we could imagine you were my aunt . '' `` I could n't , '' said Marilla grimly . `` Do you never imagine things different from what they really are ? '' asked Anne wide-eyed . `` No . '' `` Oh ! '' Anne drew a long breath . `` Oh , Miss -- Marilla , how much you miss ! '' `` I do n't believe in imagining things different from what they really are , '' retorted Marilla . `` When the Lord puts us in certain circumstances He does n't mean for us to imagine them away . And that reminds me . Go into the sitting room , Anne -- be sure your feet are clean and do n't let any flies in -- and bring me out the illustrated card that 's on the mantelpiece . The Lord 's Prayer is on it and you 'll devote your spare time this afternoon to learning it off by heart . There 's to be no more of such praying as I heard last night . '' `` I suppose I was very awkward , '' said Anne apologetically , `` but then , you see , I 'd never had any practice . You could n't really expect a person to pray very well the first time she tried , could you ? I thought out a splendid prayer after I went to bed , just as I promised you I would . It was nearly as long as a minister 's and so poetical . But would you believe it ? I could n't remember one word when I woke up this morning .
And I 'm afraid I 'll never be able to think out another one XXXXX good .
after as for from in into of on out to