creature who first told me there was no such person as Santa
Claus? He was a boy, three years older than myself; and he may
now, for aught I know, be a most useful and respectable member of
society, beloved by his kind. But I know what he must ever seem
to me!

We waited at Uncle Alec's door for the others to come up. Peter
was by way of skulking shamefacedly past into the shadows; but
the Story Girl's brief, bitter anger had vanished.

"Wait for me, Peter," she called.

She went over to him and held out her hand.

"I forgive you," she said graciously.

Felix and I felt that it would really be worth while to offend
her, just to be forgiven in such an adorable voice. Peter
eagerly grasped her hand.

"I tell you what, Story Girl, I'm awfully sorry I laughed in
church, but you needn't be afraid I ever will again. No, sir!
And I'm going to church and Sunday School regular, and I'll say
my prayers every night. I want to be like the rest of you. And
look here! I've thought of the way my Aunt Jane used to give
medicine to a cat. You mix the powder in lard, and spread it on
his paws and his sides and he'll lick it off, 'cause a cat can't
stand being messy. If Paddy isn't any better to-morrow, we'll do
that."