She might get someone who would n't be as unlucky as me in breaking dishes but she 'd never get anyone who 'd love her better . '' And the faithful little handmaiden dashed to the oven door with a sniff . They went through the form of having tea as usual that night at Echo Lodge ; but nobody really ate anything . After tea Miss Lavendar went to her room and put on her new forget-me-not organdy , while Anne did her hair for her . Both were dreadfully excited ; but Miss Lavendar pretended to be very calm and indifferent . `` I must really mend that rent in the curtain tomorrow , '' she said anxiously , inspecting it as if it were the only thing of any importance just then . `` Those curtains have not worn as well as they should , considering the price I paid . Dear me , Charlotta has forgotten to dust the stair railing AGAIN . I really MUST speak to her about it . '' Anne was sitting on the porch steps when Stephen Irving came down the lane and across the garden . `` This is the one place where time stands still , '' he said , looking around him with delighted eyes . `` There is nothing changed about this house or garden since I was here twenty-five years ago . It makes me feel young again . '' `` You know time always does stand still in an enchanted palace , '' said Anne seriously . `` It is only when the prince comes that things begin to happen . '' Mr. Irving smiled a little sadly into her uplifted face , all astar with its youth and promise . `` Sometimes the prince comes too late , '' he said . He did not ask Anne to translate her remark into prose . Like all kindred spirits he `` understood . '' `` Oh , no , not if he is the real prince coming to the true princess , '' said Anne , shaking her red head decidedly , as she opened the parlor door .
When he had gone XXXXX she shut it tightly behind him and turned to confront Charlotta the Fourth , who was in the hall , all `` nods and becks and wreathed smiles . ''
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