`` Uncle Roger believes in boys fighting . He says it 's as harmless a way as any of working off their original sin . Peter and Felix would n't have been any worse friends after it . They 'd have been better friends because the praying question would have been settled . And now it ca n't be -- unless Felicity can coax Peter to give up praying against Felix . '' For once in her life the Story Girl was not as tactful as her wont . Or -- is it possible that she said it out of malice prepense ? At all events , Felicity resented the imputation that she had more influence with Peter than any one else . `` I do n't meddle with hired boys ' prayers , '' she said haughtily . `` It was all nonsense fighting about such prayers , anyhow , '' said Dan , who probably thought that since all chance of a fight was over , he might as well avow his real sentiments as to its folly . `` Just as much nonsense as praying about the bitter apples in the first place . '' `` Oh , Dan , do n't you believe there is some good in praying ? '' said Cecily reproachfully . `` Yes , I believe there 's some good in some kinds of praying , but not in that kind , '' said Dan sturdily . `` I do n't believe God cares whether anybody can eat an apple without making a face or not . '' `` I do n't believe it 's right to talk of God as if you were well acquainted with Him , '' said Felicity , who felt that it was a good chance to snub Dan . `` There 's something wrong somewhere , '' said Cecily perplexedly . `` We ought to pray for what we want , of that I 'm sure -- and Peter wanted to be the only one who could pass the Ordeal . It seems as if he must be right -- and yet it does n't seem so . I wish I could understand it . ''
`` Peter 's prayer was wrong XXXXX it was a selfish prayer , I guess , '' said the Story Girl thoughtfully .
At about after as because of that to with without