`` Oh , my dear , anything -- anything I have is at your service , '' said the little lady delightedly . `` If you will come in , I will get you some lemonade . '' `` I am afraid it is too much trouble , '' began Mary . `` Oh , no , no , '' cried the little lady . `` It is a pleasure . I love doing things for people , I wish more of them would come to give me the chance . I never have any company , and I do so long for it . It 's very lonesome here at Golden Gate . Oh , if you would only stay to tea with me , it would make me so happy . I am all prepared . I prepare every Saturday morning , in particular , so that if Cousin Abner 's girls did come , I would be all ready . And when nobody comes , Juliana and I have to eat everything up ourselves . And that is bad for us -- it gives Juliana indigestion . If you would only stay ! '' `` We will , '' agreed Ida promptly . `` And we 're glad of the chance . We are both terribly hungry , and it is very good of you to ask us . '' `` Oh , indeed , it is n't ! It 's just selfishness in me , that 's what it is , pure selfishness ! I want company so much .
Come XXXXX , my dears , and I suppose I must introduce myself because you do n't know me , do you now ?
Abner If Juliana Mary at for in morning of to