`` And best , '' admitted Charlotte , bound to be truthful , even at the risk of hurting the Tall Lady 's feelings . `` But I do like you , too -- next best . And you really do n't need me as much as she does , for you have your Very Handsome Cat and she has n't anything . '' `` A cat no longer satisfies the aching void in my soul , '' said the Tall Lady stubbornly . `` Nothing will satisfy it but a little girl with mouse-coloured hair and freckles . No , Anna , I 've got to have Charlotte . But I think that with her usual astuteness , she has already solved the problem for us by saying she 'd like to live with us both . Why ca n't she ? You just come back home and we 'll let bygones be bygones . We both have something to forgive , but I was an obstinate old fool and I 've known it for years , though I never confessed it to anybody but the cat . '' The Pretty Lady softened , trembled , smiled . She went right up to the Tall Lady and put her arms about her neck . `` Oh , I 've wanted so much to be friends with you again , '' she sobbed . `` But I thought you would never relent -- and -- and -- I 've been so lonely -- '' `` There , there , '' whispered the Tall Lady , `` do n't cry under the matron 's eye . Wait till we get home . I may have some crying to do myself then . Charlotte , go and get your hat and come right over with us . We can sign the necessary papers later on , but we must have you right off . The cat is waiting for you on the back porch , and there is a turnover cooling on the pantry window that is just your size . '' `` I am so happy , '' remarked Charlotte , `` that I feel like crying myself . ''
Christmas XXXXX Red Butte `` Of course Santa Claus will come , '' said Jimmy Martin confidently .
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