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 , if I find that yellow beast lurking near our baby I will whack him with the poker , Mrs. Doctor , dear . '' Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Elliott were living comfortably and harmoniously in the green house . Leslie was busy with sewing , for she and Owen were to be married at Christmas . Anne wondered what she would do when Leslie was gone . `` Changes come all the time .
Just XXXXX soon as things get really nice they change , '' she said with a sigh .
as at from if in near of to until with