We left the fir woods as the tale was ended , and on the opposite hill was home . A dim light in the kitchen window betokened that Aunt Janet had no idea of going to bed until all her young fry were safely housed for the night . `` Ma 's waiting up for us , '' said Dan . `` I 'd laugh if she happened to go to the door just as Felicity and Peter were strutting up . I guess she 'll be cross . It 's nearly twelve . '' `` Christmas will soon be over , '' said Cecily , with a sigh . `` Has n't it been a nice one ? It 's the first we 've all spent together . Do you suppose we 'll ever spend another together ? '' `` Lots of 'em , '' said Dan cheerily . `` Why not ? '' `` Oh , I do n't know , '' answered Cecily , her footsteps lagging somewhat . `` Only things seem just a little too pleasant to last . '' `` If Willy Fraser had had as much spunk as Peter , Miss Cecily King might n't be so low spirited , '' quoth Dan , significantly . Cecily tossed her head and disdained reply . There are really some remarks a self-respecting young lady must ignore . CHAPTER IV . NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS If we did not have a white Christmas we had a white New Year . Midway between the two came a heavy snowfall .
It was winter in our orchard of old delights then , -- so truly winter that it was hard XXXXX believe summer had ever dwelt in it , or that spring would ever return to it .
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