It was in this locality that Peg Bowen lived , and our way lay near her house though not directly in sight of it . We hoped we would not meet her , for since the affair of the bewitchment of Paddy we did not know quite what to think of Peg ; the boldest of us held his breath as we passed her haunts , and drew it again with a sigh of relief when they were safely left behind . The woods were full of the brooding stillness that often precedes a storm , and the wind crept along their white , cone-sprinkled floors with a low , wailing cry . Around us were solitudes of snow , arcades picked out in pearl and silver , long avenues of untrodden marble whence sprang the cathedral columns of the firs . We were all sorry when we were through the woods and found ourselves looking down into the snug , commonplace , farmstead-dotted settlement of Baywater . `` There 's Cousin Mattie 's house -- that big white one at the turn of the road , '' said the Story Girl . `` I hope she has that dinner ready , Dan . I 'm hungry as a wolf after our walk . '' `` I wish Cousin Mattie 's husband was still alive , '' said Dan . `` He was an awful nice old man . He always had his pockets full of nuts and apples . I used to like going there better when he was alive . Too many old women do n't suit me . '' `` Oh , Dan , Cousin Mattie and her sisters-in-law are just as nice and kind as they can be , '' reproached Cecily . `` Oh , they 're kind enough , but they never seem to see that a fellow gets over being five years old if he only lives long enough , '' retorted Dan . `` I know a story about Cousin Mattie 's husband , '' said the Story Girl . `` His name was Ebenezer , you know -- '' `` Is it any wonder he was thin and stunted looking ? '' said Dan . `` Ebenezer is just as nice a name as Daniel , '' said Felicity . `` Do you REALLY think so , my angel ? ''
inquired XXXXX , in honey-sweet tones .
Baywater Bowen Cecily Dan Ebenezer Paddy firs left old storm