`` 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 that you are going to get better . We were so afraid you would not last Tuesday , and we felt dreadful , even Felicity . We all prayed for you . I think the others have stopped now , but I keep it up every night still , for fear you might have a relaps . -LRB- I do n't know if that is spelled right . I have n't the dixonary handy , and if I ask the others Felicity will laugh at me , though she can not spell lots of words herself . -RRB- I am saving some of the Honourable Mr. Whalen 's pears for you . I 've got them hid where nobody can find them . There 's only a dozen because Dan et all the rest , but I guess you will like them . We have got all the apples picked , and are all ready to take the measles now , if we have to , but I hope we wo n't . If we have to , though , I 'd rather catch them from you than from any one else , because we are acquainted with you . If I do take the measles and anything happens to me Felicity is to have my cherry vase .
I 'd rather give it to the Story Girl , but Dan says it ought XXXXX be kept in the family , even if Felicity is a crank .
If at by for of on though through to with