Every fine Saturday that summer Miss Cordelia took some of the factory children to the country . The Point Pleasant people nicknamed her equipage `` Miss Cordelia 's accommodation , '' and it became a mild standing joke . As for Mr. Smiles , he proved a valuable assistant . Like Miss Cordelia , he gave his Saturdays over to the children , and high weekly revel was held at Beechwood Farm . But when the big bronze and golden leaves began to fall in the beech woods , Miss Cordelia sorrowfully realized that the summer was over and that the weekly outings which she had enjoyed as much as the children must soon be discontinued . `` I feel so sorry , '' she told Mr. Smiles , `` but it ca n't be helped . It will soon be too cold for our jaunts and of course I ca n't keep Nap through the winter . I hate to part with him , I 've grown so fond of him , but I must . '' She looked regretfully at Nap , who was nibbling Mr. Smiles 's clover aftermath . He was sleek and glossy . It had been the golden summer of Nap 's life . Mr. Smiles coughed in an embarrassed fashion . Miss Cordelia looked at him and was amazed to see that not a smile was on or about his face . He looked absurdly serious . `` I want to buy Nap , '' he said in a sepulchral tone , `` but that is not the only thing I want . I want you too , ma'am . I 'm tired of being a cross old bachelor . I think I 'd like to be a cross old husband , for a change . Do you think you could put up with me in that capacity , Miss Cordelia , my dear ? '' Miss Cordelia gave a half gasp and then she had to laugh .
`` Oh , Mr. XXXXX , I 'll agree to anything if you 'll only smile again .
Cordelia Farm Smiles capacity children fall fashion jaunts outings weekly