Aunt Lucy was knitting on the verandah . Gussie brought out cake and milk and chatted to us while we ate , in an inconsequent girlish way , or fed bits of cake to a green-eyed goblin in the likeness of a black cat . She appeared in such an amiable light that I was half inclined to reconsider my opinion of her . When I went to my room the vase full of crimson leaves on my table suggested Gussie , and I repented of my unfriendliness for a moment -- and only for a moment . Gussie and her mother passed through the hall below , and Aunt Lucy 's soft voice floated up through my half-open door . `` Well , how do you like your cousin , my dear ? '' Whereat that decided young lady promptly answered , `` I think he is the most conceited youth I 've met for some time . '' Pleasant , was n't it ? I thought of Nellie 's meek admiration of all my words and ways , and got her photo out to soothe my vanity . For the first time it struck me that her features were somewhat insipid . The thought seemed like disloyalty , so I banished it and went to bed . I expected to dream of that disagreeable Gussie , but I did not , and I slept so soundly that it was ten o'clock the next morning before I woke . I sprang out of bed in dismay , dressed hastily , and ran down , not a little provoked at myself . Through the window I saw Gussie in the garden digging up some geraniums . She was enveloped in a clay-stained brown apron , a big flapping straw hat half hid her face , and she wore a pair of muddy old kid gloves . Her whole appearance was disreputable , and the face she turned to me as I said `` Good morning '' had a diagonal streak of clay across it . I added slovenliness to my already long list of her demerits . `` Good afternoon , rather . Do n't you know what time it is ? The men were here three hours ago for their orders .
I XXXXX it a pity to disturb your peaceful dreams , so I gave them myself and sent them off . ''
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