Felicity had spent the whole previous day and the forenoon of the picnic day in concocting them . Her crowning achievement was a rich little plum cake , on the white frosting of which the words `` Welcome Back '' were lettered in pink candies . This was put before Peter 's place , and almost overcame him . `` To think that you 'd go to so much trouble for me ! '' he said , with a glance of adoring gratitude at Felicity . Felicity got all the gratitude , although the Story Girl had originated the idea and seeded the raisins and beaten the eggs , while Cecily had trudged all the way to Mrs. Jameson 's little shop below the church to buy the pink candies . But that is the way of the world . `` We ought to have grace , '' said Felicity , as we sat down at the festal board . `` Will any one say it ? '' She looked at me , but I blushed to the roots of my hair and shook my head sheepishly . An awkward pause ensued ; it looked as if we would have to proceed without grace , when Felix suddenly shut his eyes , bent his head , and said a very good grace without any appearance of embarrassment . We looked at him when it was over with an increase of respect . `` Where on earth did you learn that , Felix ? '' I asked . `` It 's the grace Uncle Alec says at every meal , '' answered Felix . We felt rather ashamed of ourselves . Was it possible that we had paid so little attention to Uncle Alec 's grace that we did not recognize it when we heard it on other lips ? `` Now , '' said Felicity jubilantly , `` let 's eat everything up . '' In truth , it was a merry little feast . We had gone without our dinners , in order to `` save our appetites , '' and we did ample justice to Felicity 's good things .
Paddy sat on the Pulpit Stone and watched us with great yellow eyes , knowing XXXXX tidbits would come his way later on .
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