`` Were they ever like this before ? '' I asked Cecily , as we talked the matter over privately in Uncle Stephen 's Walk . `` Never for so long , '' said Cecily . `` They had a spell like this last summer , and one the summer before , but they only lasted a couple of days . '' `` And who spoke first ? '' `` Oh , the Story Girl . She got excited about something and spoke to Felicity before she thought , and then it was all right . But I 'm afraid it is n't going to be like that this time . Do n't you notice how careful the Story Girl is not to get excited ? That is such a bad sign . '' `` We 've just got to think up something that will excite her , that 's all , '' I said . `` I 'm -- I 'm praying about it , '' said Cecily in a low voice , her tear-wet lashes trembling against her pale , round cheeks . `` Do you suppose it will do any good , Bev ? '' `` Very likely , '' I assured her . `` Remember Sara Ray and the money . That came from praying . '' `` I 'm glad you think so , '' said Cecily tremulously . `` Dan said it was no use for me to bother praying about it . He said if they COULD N'T speak God might do something , but when they just WOULD N'T it was n't likely He would interfere . Dan does say such queer things .
I 'm so afraid he 's going XXXXX grow up just like Uncle Robert Ward , who never goes to church , and does n't believe more than half the Bible is true . ''
about against as for from if in like over to