I WISH my head would stop aching . I WISH ma had never gone away . I WISH you 'd leave Felicity alone , Dan . '' `` I wish girls had some sense , '' said Dan -- which brought the orgy of wishing to an end for the time . A wishing fairy might have had the time of her life in the King kitchen that morning -- particularly if she were a cynically inclined fairy . But even the effects of unholy snacks wear away at length . By tea-time things had brightened up . The rain had ceased , and the old , low-raftered room was full of sunshine which danced on the shining dishes of the dresser , made mosaics on the floor , and flickered over the table whereon a delicious meal was spread . Felicity had put on her blue muslin , and looked so beautiful in it that her good humour was quite restored . Cecily 's headache was better , and the Story Girl , refreshed by an afternoon siesta , came down with smiles and sparkling eyes . Dan alone continued to nurse his grievances , and would not even laugh when the Story Girl told us a tale brought to mind by some of the `` Rev. Mr. Scott 's plums '' which were on the table . `` The Rev. Mr. Scott was the man who thought the pulpit door must be made for speerits , you know , '' she said . `` I heard Uncle Edward telling ever so many stories about him . He was called to this congregation , and he laboured here long and faithfully , and was much beloved , though he was very eccentric . '' `` What does that mean ? '' asked Peter . `` Hush ! It just means queer , '' said Cecily , nudging him with her elbow . `` A common man would be queer , but when it 's a minister , it 's eccentric . '' `` When he gets very old , '' continued the Story Girl , `` the Presbytery thought it was time he was retired .
HE did n't think so ; but the Presbytery had their way , because there were so many of them XXXXX one of him .
at by for if in on over that though to