How will you like to have a new ma , Master Paul ? ' Well , the idea almost took my breath away , teacher , but I was n't going to let Mrs. Lynde see THAT . I just looked her straight in the face ... like this ... and I said , ` Mrs. Lynde , father made a pretty good job of picking out my first mother and I could trust him to pick out just as good a one the second time . ' And I CAN trust him , teacher . But still , I hope , if he ever does give me a new mother , he 'll ask my opinion about her before it 's too late . There 's Mary Joe coming to call us to tea . I 'll go and consult with her about the shortbread . '' As a result of the `` consultation , '' Mary Joe cut the shortbread and added a dish of preserves to the bill of fare . Anne poured the tea and she and Paul had a very merry meal in the dim old sitting room whose windows were open to the gulf breezes , and they talked so much `` nonsense '' that Mary Joe was quite scandalized and told Veronica the next evening that `` de school mees '' was as queer as Paul . After tea Paul took Anne up to his room to show her his mother 's picture , which had been the mysterious birthday present kept by Mrs. Irving in the bookcase . Paul 's little low-ceilinged room was a soft whirl of ruddy light from the sun that was setting over the sea and swinging shadows from the fir trees that grew close to the square , deep-set window . From out this soft glow and glamor shone a sweet , girlish face , with tender mother eyes , that was hanging on the wall at the foot of the bed . `` That 's my little mother , '' said Paul with loving pride . `` I got Grandma to hang it there where I 'd see it as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning . I never mind not having the light when I go to bed now , because it just seems as if my little mother was right here with me . Father knew just what I would like for a birthday present , although he never asked me . Is n't it wonderful how much fathers DO know ? '' `` Your mother was very lovely , Paul , and you look a little like her . But her eyes and hair are darker than yours . '' `` My eyes are the same color as father 's , '' said Paul , flying about the room to heap all available cushions on the window seat , `` but father 's hair is gray .
He has lots XXXXX it , but it is gray .
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