`` I never got really acquainted with him until after my little mother died . But he 's splendid when you do get to know him . I love him the best in all the world , and Grandma Irving next , and then you , teacher . I 'd love you next to father if it was n't my DUTY to love Grandma Irving best , because she 's doing so much for me . YOU know , teacher . I wish she would leave the lamp in my room till I go to sleep , though . She takes it right out as soon as she tucks me up because she says I must n't be a coward . I 'm NOT scared , but I 'd RATHER have the light . My little mother used always to sit beside me and hold my hand till I went to sleep . I expect she spoiled me . Mothers do sometimes , you know . '' No , Anne did not know this , although she might imagine it . She thought sadly of HER `` little mother , '' the mother who had thought her so `` perfectly beautiful '' and who had died so long ago and was buried beside her boyish husband in that unvisited grave far away . Anne could not remember her mother and for this reason she almost envied Paul . `` My birthday is next week , '' said Paul , as they walked up the long red hill , basking in the June sunshine , `` and father wrote me that he is sending me something that he thinks I 'll like better than anything else he could send . I believe it has come already , for Grandma is keeping the bookcase drawer locked and that is something new . And when I asked her why , she just looked mysterious and said little boys must n't be too curious . It 's very exciting to have a birthday , is n't it ? I 'll be eleven . You 'd never think it to look at me , would you ?
Grandma XXXXX I 'm very small for my age and that it 's all because I do n't eat enough porridge .
's asked died hold like locked look says sit tucks