But I know I hurried on and said it fast, so as to get in all I could before he interrupted; for he had interrupted right at the first with an exclamation; and I knew he was going to say more right away, just as soon as he got a chance.

And I didn't want him to get a chance till I'd said what _I_ wanted to.

But I hadn't anywhere near said what I wanted to when he did stop me.

Why, he almost jumped out of his chair.
"Mary!" he gasped.

"What in the world are you talking about ?" "Why, Father, I was telling you," I explained.