`` Not I . That stuff you handed in was splendidly written -- I did n't have to use the pencil more than once or twice . You have the proper journalist instinct all right . We need a lady on the staff anyhow , and if you 'll take the place it 's yours for saying so , and the permanency next month . '' `` I 'll take it , '' said Patty promptly and joyfully . `` Good . Go down to the Symphony Club rehearsal this afternoon and report it . You 've just ten minutes to get there , '' and Patty joyfully and promptly departed . Anna 's Love Letters `` Are you going to answer Gilbert 's letter tonight , Anna ? '' asked Alma Williams , standing in the pantry doorway , tall , fair , and grey-eyed , with the sunset light coming down over the dark firs , through the window behind her , and making a primrose nimbus around her shapely head . Anna , dark , vivid , and slender , was perched on the edge of the table , idly swinging her slippered foot at the cat 's head . She smiled wickedly at Alma before replying . `` I am not going to answer it tonight or any other night , '' she said , twisting her full , red lips in a way that Alma had learned to dread . 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 XXXXX any avail to show impatience with Anna .
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