he said , as if it were the most natural thing in the world that Robert 's daughters should be there in his house . `` So you are my nieces ? Well , I 'm very glad to make your acquaintance . Sit down and we 'll have dinner as soon as I can get my coat off . I want to see if you are as good cooks as your mother used to be long ago . '' We sat down , and so did Uncle William . Alberta had her chance to show what she could do at carving , for Uncle William said it was something he never did ; he kept a housekeeper just for that . At first we felt a bit stiff and awkward ; but that soon wore off , for Uncle William was genial , witty , and entertaining . Soon , to our surprise , we found that we were enjoying ourselves . Uncle William seemed to be , too . When we had finished he leaned back and looked at us . `` I suppose you 've been brought up to abhor me and all my works ? '' he said abruptly . `` Not by Father and Mother , '' I said frankly . `` They never said anything against you . Margaret Hannah did , though . She brought us up in the way we should go through fear of you . '' Uncle William laughed . `` Margaret Hannah was a faithful old enemy of mine , '' he said . `` Well , I acted like a fool -- and worse .
I 've been sorry XXXXX it ever since .
against as at by for in like of that to