Grown-up people died . Even children of whom we had heard died . But that one of US -- of our merry little band -- should die was unbelievable . We could not believe it . And yet the possibility struck us in the face like a blow . We sat on the mossy stones under the dark old evergreens and gave ourselves up to wretchedness . We all , even Dan , cried , except the Story Girl . `` I do n't see how you can be so unfeeling , Sara Stanley , '' said Felicity reproachfully . `` You 've always been such friends with Peter -- and made out you thought so much of him -- and now you ai n't shedding a tear for him . '' I looked at the Story Girl 's dry , piteous eyes , and suddenly remembered that I had never seen her cry . When she told us sad tales , in a voice laden with all the tears that had ever been shed , she had never shed one of her own . `` I ca n't cry , '' she said drearily . `` I wish I could . I 've a dreadful feeling here -- '' she touched her slender throat -- `` and if I could cry I think it would make it better . But I ca n't . '' `` Maybe Peter will get better after all , '' said Dan , swallowing a sob . `` I 've heard of lots of people who went and got better after the doctor said they were going to die . '' `` While there 's life there 's hope , you know , '' said Felix . `` We should n't cross bridges till we come to them . '' `` Those are only proverbs , '' said the Story Girl bitterly .
`` Proverbs are all very fine when there 's nothing XXXXX worry you , but when you 're in real trouble they 're not a bit of help . ''
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