And yet here they were on Spofford Avenue ! A big , polished grandfather 's clock ticked loudly and solemnly in a corner . There were delightful little cupboards over the mantelpiece , behind whose glass doors gleamed quaint bits of china . The walls were hung with old prints and silhouettes . In one corner the stairs went up , and at the first low turn was a long window with an inviting seat . It was all just as Anne had known it must be . By this time the silence had grown too dreadful , and Priscilla nudged Anne to intimate that she must speak . `` We -- we -- saw by your sign that this house is to let , '' said Anne faintly , addressing the older lady , who was evidently Miss Patty Spofford . `` Oh , yes , '' said Miss Patty . `` I intended to take that sign down today . '' `` Then -- then we are too late , '' said Anne sorrowfully . `` You 've let it to some one else ? '' `` No , but we have decided not to let it at all . '' `` Oh , I 'm so sorry , '' exclaimed Anne impulsively . `` I love this place so . I did hope we could have got it . '' Then did Miss Patty lay down her knitting , take off her specs , rub them , put them on again , and for the first time look at Anne as at a human being . The other lady followed her example so perfectly that she might as well have been a reflection in a mirror . `` You LOVE it , '' said Miss Patty with emphasis . `` Does that mean that you really LOVE it ?
Or XXXXX you merely like the looks of it ?
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