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 of it , but it is gray . You see , father is nearly fifty . That 's ripe old age , is n't it ? But it 's only OUTSIDE he 's old . INSIDE he 's just as young as anybody . Now , teacher , please sit here ; and I 'll sit at your feet . May I lay my head against your knee ? That 's the way my little mother and I used to sit . Oh , this is real splendid , I think . '' `` Now , I want to hear those thoughts which Mary Joe pronounces so queer , '' said Anne , patting the mop of curls at her side . Paul never needed any coaxing to tell his thoughts ... at least , to congenial souls . `` I thought them out in the fir grove one night , '' he said dreamily . `` Of course I did n't BELIEVE them but I THOUGHT them . YOU know , teacher . And then I wanted to tell them to somebody and there was nobody but Mary Joe .
Mary Joe was XXXXX the pantry setting bread and I sat down on the bench beside her and I said , ` Mary Joe , do you know what I think ?
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