The Andrew girls had been `` girls '' for fifty odd years and seemed likely to remain girls to the end of their earthly pilgrimage . Catherine , it was said , had not entirely given up hope , but Eliza , who was born a pessimist , had never had any . They lived in a little brown house built in a sunny corner scooped out of Mark Andrew 's beech woods . Eliza complained that it was terrible hot in summer , but Catherine was wont to say it was lovely and warm in winter . Eliza was sewing patchwork , not because it was needed but simply as a protest against the frivolous lace Catherine was crocheting . Eliza listened with a frown and Catherine with a smile , as the girls explained their errand . To be sure , whenever Catherine caught Eliza 's eye she discarded the smile in guilty confusion ; but it crept back the next moment . `` If I had money to waste , '' said Eliza grimly , `` I 'd burn it up and have the fun of seeing a blaze maybe ; but I would n't give it to that hall , not a cent . It 's no benefit to the settlement ... just a place for young folks to meet and carry on when they 's better be home in their beds . '' `` Oh , Eliza , young folks must have some amusement , '' protested Catherine . `` I do n't see the necessity . We did n't gad about to halls and places when we were young , Catherine Andrews . This world is getting worse every day . '' `` I think it 's getting better , '' said Catherine firmly . `` YOU think ! '' Miss Eliza 's voice expressed the utmost contempt . `` It does n't signify what you THINK , Catherine Andrews . Facts is facts . '' `` Well , I always like to look on the bright side , Eliza . '' `` There is n't any bright side . ''
`` Oh , indeed there is , '' cried Anne , who could n't endure such heresy XXXXX silence .
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