`` It 's lovely , but it 's different . When I was very small I used to believe the fairies danced in it on moonlight nights . I would like to believe it now but I ca n't . '' `` Why not ? '' `` Oh , it 's so hard to believe things you know are not true . It was Uncle Edward who told me there were no such things as fairies . I was just seven . He is a minister , so of course I knew he spoke the truth . It was his duty to tell me , and I do not blame him , but I have never felt quite the same to Uncle Edward since . '' 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 XXXXX church , but you need n't be afraid I ever will again .
as at by in of on than that to towards