Mrs. Dodge went upstairs and came right back saying would I please go up to the study . Up I went , my heart in my mouth , I can tell you , and there was Dick among his books , looking so pale and sorrowful and interesting , for all the world like Lord Algernon Francis in the splendid serial in the paper cook took . There was a Madonna on his desk that looked just like Aunt Tommy . `` Good evening , Miss Elizabeth , '' said Dick , just as if I were grown up , you know . `` Wo n't you sit down ? Try that green velvet chair . I am sure it was created for a pink dress and unfortunately neither Mrs. Dodge nor I possess one . How are all your people ? '' `` We are all pretty well ; thank you , '' I said , `` except Aunt Tommy . She -- '' I was going to say , `` She cries every night after she goes to bed , '' but I remembered just in time that if I were in Aunt Tommy 's place I would n't want a man to know I cried about him even if I did . So I said instead '' -- she has got a cold . '' `` Ah , indeed , I am sorry to hear it , '' said Dick , politely but coldly , as if it were part of his duty as a minister to be sorry for anybody who had a cold , but as if , apart from that , it was not a concern of his if Aunt Tommy had galloping consumption . `` And Jack and I are terribly harrowed up in our minds , '' I went on . `` That is what I 've come up to see you about . '' `` Well , tell me all about it , '' said Dick . `` I 'm afraid to , '' I said . `` I know you 'll be cross even if you are a minister . It 's about what Jack told you about that man in New York and Aunt Tommy . '' Dick turned as red as fire . `` I 'd rather not discuss your Aunt Bertha 's affairs , '' he said stiffly .
`` You must hear this , '' I cried , feeling thankful that Jacky had n't come XXXXX all , for he 'd never have got any further ahead after that snub .
So after among as except if like on that to