Mischief was ripening in Anna 's brain when that twist was out . `` What do you mean ? '' asked Alma anxiously . `` Just what I say , dear , '' responded Anna , with deceptive meekness . `` Poor Gilbert is gone , and I do n't intend to bother my head about him any longer . He was amusing while he lasted , but of what use is a beau two thousand miles away , Alma ? '' Alma was patient -- outwardly . It was never of any avail to show impatience with Anna . `` Anna , you are talking foolishly . Of course you are going to answer his letter . You are as good as engaged to him . Was n't that practically understood when he left ? '' `` No , no , dear , '' and Anna shook her sleek black head with the air of explaining matters to an obtuse child . '' I was the only one who understood . Gil mis_understood . He thought that I would really wait for him until he should have made enough money to come home and pay off the mortgage . I let him think so , because I hated to hurt his little feelings . But now it 's off with the old love and on with a new one for me . '' `` Anna , you can not be in earnest ! '' exclaimed Alma .
But she was afraid that Anna was XXXXX earnest .
Of about because for in that to until while with