`` And I do n't believe you had -- really -- either , '' she added , with a flash of insight that was not to be expected of her . `` I had so , '' cried Davy , but in the voice of one who doth protest too much . `` No wonder you had n't -- just sitting there like a -- like a mule . '' `` I ai n't going to , ` sociate with the Cottons , '' said Dora loftily . `` The Cottons are all right , '' retorted Davy . `` And they have far better times than we have . They do just as they please and say just what they like before everybody . I 'm going to do that , too , after this . '' `` There are lots of things you would n't dare say before everybody , '' averred Dora . `` No , there is n't . '' `` There is , too . Would you , '' demanded Dora gravely , `` would you say ` tomcat ' before the minister ? '' This was a staggerer . Davy was not prepared for such a concrete example of the freedom of speech . But one did not have to be consistent with Dora . `` Of course not , '' he admitted sulkily . '' ` Tomcat ' is n't a holy word . I would n't mention such an animal before a minister at all . '' `` But if you had to ? '' persisted Dora .
`` I 'd call it a Thomas pussy , '' XXXXX Davy . ''
admitted ai believe cried demanded doth going persisted please said