I 'm tired of being a cross old bachelor . I think I 'd like to be a cross old husband , for a change . Do you think you could put up with me in that capacity , Miss Cordelia , my dear ? '' Miss Cordelia gave a half gasp and then she had to laugh . `` Oh , Mr. Smiles , I 'll agree to anything if you 'll only smile again . It seems unnatural to see you look so solemn . '' The smiles at once broke loose and revelled over her wooer 's face . `` Then you will come ? '' he said eagerly . Half an hour later they had their plans made . At New Year 's Miss Cordelia was to leave her school and sooty Pottstown and come to be mistress of Beechwood Farm . `` And look here , '' said Mr. Smiles . `` Every fine Saturday you shall have a big , roomy sleigh and Nap , and drive into town for some children and bring them out here for their weekly treat as usual . The house is large enough to hold them , goodness knows , and if it is n't there are the barns for the overflow . This is going to be our particular pet charity all our lives , ma'am -- I mean Cordelia , my dear . '' `` Blessings on old Nap , '' said Miss Cordelia with a happy light in her eyes . `` He shall live in clover for the rest of his days , '' added Mr. Smiles smilingly . Ned 's Stroke of Business `` Jump in , Ned ; I can give you a lift if you 're going my way . '' Mr. Rogers reined up his prancing grey horse , and Ned Allen sprang lightly into the comfortable cutter . The next minute they were flying down the long , glistening road , rosy-white in the sunset splendour .
The first snow XXXXX the season had come , and the sleighing was , as Ned said , `` dandy . ''
at down for if in into of on over with