Then Marian Cummings suddenly thought of a splendid plan." Emma paused in order to impress her hearers.
"For goodness' sake, go on, Emma," begged Miriam.

"Don't ask us to guess the plan, either." "I'm not going to ask you to guess it.

I stopped talking merely to allow my words to sink deeply into your minds.

Marian wants to make it an honor competition affair." "What's an 'honor competition affair' ?" asked Elfreda.
"I'm surprised at your question.

I should think you 'could see' the meaning from the words themselves," teased Emma.