I 'm glad I 'm like father . I had a splendid letter from him this week , with the darlingest pictures in it . He is painting a new picture which is going to make him famous . I wonder what Aunt Janet will say then . `` Do you know , Peter , yesterday I thought I saw the Family Ghost at last . I was coming through the gap in the hedge , and I saw somebody in blue standing under Uncle Alec 's tree . How my heart beat ! My hair should have stood up on end with terror but it did n't . I felt to see , and it was lying down quite flat . But it was only a visitor after all . I do n't know whether I was glad or disappointed . I do n't think it would be a pleasant experience to see the ghost . But after I had seen it think what a heroine I would be ! `` Oh , Peter , what do you think ? I have got acquainted with the Awkward Man at last . I never thought it would be so easy . Yesterday Aunt Olivia wanted some ferns , so I went back to the maple woods to get them for her , and I found some lovely ones by the spring . And while I was sitting there , looking into the spring who should come along but the Awkward Man himself . He sat right down beside me and began to talk . I never was so surprised in my life .
We had a very interesting talk , and I told him two of my best stories , and a great many of my secrets XXXXX the bargain .
at beside from in into like through to whether while