When she heard our news , however , she had the decency to say she was glad , and to promise she would convey the good tidings to Sara -- `` who is already in bed , where all children of her age should be , '' added Mrs. Ray severely . WE had no intention of going to bed for a good two hours yet . Instead , after devoutly thanking goodness that our grown-ups , in spite of some imperfections , were not of the Mrs. Ray type , we betook ourselves to the granary , lighted a huge lantern which Dan had made out of a turnip , and proceeded to devour all the apples we might have eaten through the day but had not . 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 XXXXX Sara Ray , that she , too , might have a letter ready .
Peter after as for in like morning of that to