But Anne , despite her grief , was wiser . `` It was the book itself he cared for , Leslie -- not what might be said of it -- and he had it . He had read it all through . That last night must have been one of the greatest happiness for him -- with the quick , painless ending he had hoped for in the morning . I am glad for Owen 's sake and yours that the book is such a success -- but Captain Jim was satisfied -- I KNOW . '' The lighthouse star still kept a nightly vigil ; a substitute keeper had been sent to the Point , until such time as an all-wise government could decide which of many applicants was best fitted for the place -- or had the strongest pull . The First Mate was at home in the little house , beloved by Anne and Gilbert and Leslie , and tolerated by a Susan who had small liking for cats . `` I can put up with him for the sake of Captain Jim , Mrs. Doctor , dear , for I liked the old man . And I will see that he gets bite and sup , and every mouse the traps account for . But do not ask me to do more than that , Mrs. Doctor , dear . Cats is cats , and take my word for it , they will never be anything else . And at least , Mrs. Doctor , dear , do keep him away from the blessed wee man . Picture to yourself how awful it would be if he was to suck the darling 's breath . '' `` That might be fitly called a CAT-astrophe , '' said Gilbert . `` Oh , you may laugh , doctor , dear , but it would be no laughing matter . '' `` Cats never suck babies ' breaths , '' said Gilbert . `` That is only an old superstition , Susan . '' `` Oh , well , it may be a superstition or it may not , doctor , dear . All that I know is , it has happened . My sister 's husband 's nephew 's wife 's cat sucked their baby 's breath , and the poor innocent was all but gone when they found it .
And superstition or not , XXXXX I find that yellow beast lurking near our baby I will whack him with the poker , Mrs. Doctor , dear . ''
as at despite for from if of that through until