So while we have this moment to ou'selves, my deah grandfathah, I want to impress something on yoah mind, very forcibly." The playful way in which she held him by the ears was a familiarity no one but Lloyd had ever dared take with the dignified old Colonel.

She emphasized each sentence with a gentle pull and pinch.
"Maybe you wouldn't believe it, but this little Mary Ware who is coming, has a most exalted opinion of me.

From what Joyce says she thinks I am perfect, and I don't want her disillusioned.

It's so nice to have somebody look up to you that way, so I want to impress it on you that you're not to indulge in any reminiscence of my past while she is heah.
You mustn't tell any of my youthful misdemeanahs that you are fond of telling--how I threw mud on yoah coat, in one of my awful tempahs, and smashed yoah shaving-mug with a walking-stick, and locked Walkah down in the coal cellah when he wouldn't do what I wanted him to.

You must 'let the dead past bury its dead, and act--act in the living present,' so that she'll think that _you_ think that I'm the piece of perfection she imagines me to be." "I'll be a party to no such deception," answered the old Colonel, sternly, although his eyes, smiling fondly on her, plainly spoke consent.