As I told you , it is not strictly necessary that we should let it at all . We are not rich , but we have enough to go to Europe on . I have never been in Europe in my life , and never expected or wanted to go . But my niece there , Maria Spofford , has taken a fancy to go . Now , you know a young person like Maria ca n't go globetrotting alone . '' `` No -- I -- I suppose not , '' murmured Anne , seeing that Miss Patty was quite solemnly in earnest . `` Of course not . So I have to go along to look after her . I expect to enjoy it , too ; I 'm seventy years old , but I 'm not tired of living yet . I daresay I 'd have gone to Europe before if the idea had occurred to me . We shall be away for two years , perhaps three . We sail in June and we shall send you the key , and leave all in order for you to take possession when you choose . We shall pack away a few things we prize especially , but all the rest will be left . '' `` Will you leave the china dogs ? '' asked Anne timidly . `` Would you like me to ? '' `` Oh , indeed , yes . They are delightful . '' A pleased expression came into Miss Patty 's face . `` I think a great deal of those dogs , '' she said proudly .
`` They are over a hundred years old , and they have sat on either side XXXXX this fireplace ever since my brother Aaron brought them from London fifty years ago .
As So at for in into like of that to