We were a blithe little crew , sitting there in the light of our goblin lantern . We had in very truth been given beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning . Life was as a red rose once more . `` I 'm going to make a big batch of patty-pans , first thing in the morning , '' said Felicity jubilantly . `` Is n't it queer ? Last night I felt just like praying , and tonight I feel just like cooking . '' `` We must n't forget to thank God for making Peter better , '' said Cecily , as we finally went to the house . `` Do you s ` pose Peter would n't have got better anyway ? '' said Dan . `` Oh , Dan , what makes you ask such questions ? '' exclaimed Cecily in real distress . `` I dunno , '' said Dan . `` They just kind of come into my head , like . But of course I mean to thank God when I say my prayers to-night . That 's only decent . '' CHAPTER XXX . A COMPOUND LETTER Once Peter was out of danger he recovered rapidly , but he found his convalescence rather tedious ; and Aunt Olivia suggested to us one day that we write a `` compound letter '' to amuse him , until he could come to the window and talk to us from a safe distance . The idea appealed to us ; and , the day being Saturday and the apples all picked , we betook ourselves to the orchard to compose our epistles , Cecily having first sent word by a convenient caller to Sara Ray , that she , too , might have a letter ready . Later , I , having at that time a mania for preserving all documents relating to our life in Carlisle , copied those letters in the blank pages at the back of my dream book . Hence I can reproduce them verbatim , with the bouquet they have retained through all the long years since they were penned in that autumnal orchard on the hill , with its fading leaves and frosted grasses , and the `` mild , delightsome melancholy '' of the late October day enfolding .
CECILY 'S LETTER `` DEAR PETER : -- I am so very glad and thankful XXXXX you are going to get better .
as at by in like on since that to with