`` There is a special Providence for children and idiots , '' said Laura gently . We did n't ask her whether she meant us or Tony McGinnis or both . There are some things better left in obscurity . I 'd have probably said something much sharper than that if anybody had made off with my Thanksgiving turkey so unceremoniously . Aunt Susanna came down the next day and told Margaret that she would send her to college . Also she commissioned Laura to paint her a water-color for her dining-room and said she 'd pay her five dollars for it . Kate and I were rather left out in the cold in this distribution of favors , but when you come to reflect that Laura and Magsie had really cooked that dinner , it was only just . Anyway , Aunt Susanna has never since insinuated that we ca n't cook , and that is as much as we deserve . By Grace of Julius Caesar Melissa sent word on Monday evening that she thought we had better go round with the subscription list for cushioning the church pews on Tuesday . I sent back word that I thought we had better go on Thursday . I had no particular objection to Tuesday , but Melissa is rather fond of settling things without consulting anyone else , and I do n't believe in always letting her have her own way . Melissa is my cousin and we have always been good friends , and I am really very fond of her ; but there 's no sense in lying down and letting yourself be walked over . We finally compromised on Wednesday . I always have a feeling of dread when I hear of any new church-project for which money will be needed , because I know perfectly well that Melissa and I will be sent round to collect for it . People say we seem to be able to get more than anybody else ; and they appear to think that because Melissa is an unencumbered old maid , and I am an unencumbered widow , we can spare the time without any inconvenience to ourselves . Well , we have been canvassing for building funds , and socials , and suppers for years , but it is needed now ; at least , I have had enough of it , and I should think Melissa has , too . We started out bright and early on Wednesday morning , for Jersey Cove is a big place and we knew we should need the whole day . We had to walk because neither of us owned a horse , and anyway it 's more nuisance getting out to open and shut gates than it is worth while . It was a lovely day then , though promising to be hot , and our hearts were as light as could be expected , considering the disagreeable expedition we were on . I was waiting at my gate for Melissa when she came , and she looked me over with wonder and disapproval .
I could see she thought I was a fool to dress up in my second best flowered muslin and my very best hat XXXXX the pale pink roses in it to walk about in the heat and dust ; but I was n't .
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