Ah , do we ever `` feel quite the same '' towards people who destroy our illusions ? Shall I ever be able to forgive the brutal creature who first told me there was no such person as Santa Claus ? He was a boy , three years older than myself ; and he may now , for aught I know , be a most useful and respectable member of society , beloved by his kind . But I know what he must ever seem to me ! We waited at Uncle Alec 's door for the others to come up . Peter was by way of skulking shamefacedly past into the shadows ; but the Story Girl 's brief , bitter anger had vanished . `` Wait for me , Peter , '' she called . She went over to him and held out her hand . `` I forgive you , '' she said graciously . Felix and I felt that it would really be worth while to offend her , just to be forgiven in such an adorable voice . Peter eagerly grasped her hand . `` I tell you what , Story Girl , I 'm awfully sorry I laughed in church , but you need n't be afraid I ever will again . No , sir ! And I 'm going to church and Sunday School regular , and I 'll say my prayers every night . I want to be like the rest of you . And look here ! I 've thought of the way my Aunt Jane used to give medicine to a cat . You mix the powder in lard , and spread it on his paws and his sides and he 'll lick it off , 'cause a cat ca n't stand being messy . If Paddy is n't any better to-morrow , we 'll do that . '' They went away together hand in hand , children-wise , up the lane of spruces crossed with bars of moonlight .
And there was peace over all XXXXX fresh and flowery land , and peace in our little hearts .
If at by for like on than that to up