Peter looked up at her and the truth began to come to him slowly. Lily-bud smiled and sat on her purple cushion and swayed, and let him think.
"Then I suppose it would cure Pat's mouth," he said eagerly, at last.
She nodded. "Try it," she answered.
Peter waved the glittering stick in his scratched hand. "I want Pat's mouth to be well," he said, and instantly the dog yawned and licked his chops with satisfaction, for they were as whole and comfortable as ever they were.
Peter gave him a hug. "How about my arms and legs?" he asked then, rather shamefaced.
Lily-bud shook her head. "Pat got his scratches in love," she said; and Peter looked off and began to think some more.
As soon as he dropped his hand from the dog, Pat would tuck his head under it again. It was so wonderful to have his master pet him. He couldn't get enough of it.
"Isn't it strange," said Lily-bud, "how much happiness children are willing to miss by not being kind? Do you think that ducking Lawrence in the pond would give you half as much fun as to see his face if you gave him something nice?"
"I could give him something nice with the wand," replied Peter.