But what is the use of being an independent old maid if you ca n't be silly when you want to , and when it does n't hurt anybody ? A person must have some compensations . I do n't believe I could live at times if I did n't pretend things . I 'm not often caught at it though , and Charlotta the Fourth never tells . But I 'm glad to be caught today , for you have really come and I have tea all ready for you . Will you go up to the spare room and take off your hats ? It 's the white door at the head of the stairs . I must run out to the kitchen and see that Charlotta the Fourth is n't letting the tea boil . Charlotta the Fourth is a very good girl but she WILL let the tea boil . '' Miss Lavendar tripped off to the kitchen on hospitable thoughts intent and the girls found their way up to the spare room , an apartment as white as its door , lighted by the ivy-hung dormer window and looking , as Anne said , like the place where happy dreams grew . `` This is quite an adventure , is n't it ? '' said Diana . `` And is n't Miss Lavendar sweet , if she IS a little odd ? She does n't look a bit like an old maid . '' `` She looks just as music sounds , I think , '' answered Anne . When they went down Miss Lavendar was carrying in the teapot , and behind her , looking vastly pleased , was Charlotta the Fourth , with a plate of hot biscuits . `` Now , you must tell me your names , '' said Miss Lavendar . `` I 'm so glad you are young girls . I love young girls . It 's so easy to pretend I 'm a girl myself when I 'm with them .
I do hate '' ... with a little grimace ... `` XXXXX believe I 'm old .
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