`` I could n't , '' said poor Janet pathetically . `` You see , Anne , I 've always been awful fond of John . He might just as well keep coming as not , for there was never anybody else I 'd want , so it did n't matter . '' `` But it might have made him speak out like a man , '' urged Anne . Janet shook her head . `` No , I guess not . I was afraid to try , anyway , for fear he 'd think I meant it and just go . I suppose I 'm a poor-spirited creature , but that is how I feel . And I ca n't help it . '' `` Oh , you COULD help it , Janet . It is n't too late yet . Take a firm stand . Let that man know you are not going to endure his shillyshallying any longer . I 'LL back you up . '' `` I dunno , '' said Janet hopelessly . `` I dunno if I could ever get up enough spunk . Things have drifted so long . But I 'll think it over . '' Anne felt that she was disappointed in John Douglas . She had liked him so well , and she had not thought him the sort of man who would play fast and loose with a woman 's feelings for twenty years .
He certainly should be taught a lesson , and Anne felt vindictively XXXXX she would enjoy seeing the process .
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