` But seriously , Jo , I do love Alice , and I think she knows it . I want to tell her so ; but I lose my head when I try , and do n't care to make a fool of myself . Thought you might suggest some pretty way ; you read so much poetry and are so romantic . ' Demi tried to express himself clearly , but forgot his dignity and his usual reserve in the sweet perplexity of his love , and asked his little sister to teach him how to put the question which a single word can answer . The arrival of his happy cousins had scattered all his wise plans and brave resolutions to wait still longer . The Christmas play had given him courage to hope , and the oration today had filled him with tender pride ; but the sight of those blooming brides and beaming grooms was too much for him , and he panted to secure his Alice without an hour 's delay . Daisy was his confidante in all things but this ; a brotherly feeling of sympathy had kept him from telling her his hopes , because her own were forbidden . His mother was rather jealous of any girl he admired ; but knowing that she liked Alice , he loved on and enjoyed his secret alone , meaning soon to tell her all about it . Now suddenly Josie and the rose-bush seemed to suggest a speedy end to his tender perplexities ; and he was moved to accept her aid as the netted lion did that of the mouse . ' I think I 'll write , ' he was slowly beginning , after a pause during which both were trying to strike out a new and brilliant idea . ` I 've got it ! perfectly lovely ! just suit her , and you too , being a poet ! ' cried Josie , with a skip . ` What is it ? Do n't be ridiculous , please , ' begged the bashful lover , eager , but afraid of this sharp-tongued bit of womanhood . ' I read in one of Miss Edgeworth 's stories about a man who offers three roses to his lady -- a bud , a half-blown , and a full-blown rose . I do n't remember which she took ; but it 's a pretty way ; and Alice knows about it because she was there when we read it . Here are all kinds ; you 've got the two buds , pick the sweetest rose you can find , and I 'll tie them up and put them in her room . She is coming to dress with Daisy , so I can do it nicely . '
XXXXX mused a moment with his eyes on the bridal bush , and a smile came over his face so unlike any it had ever worn before , that Josie was touched , and looked away as if she had no right to see the dawn of the great passion which , while it lasts , makes a young man as happy as a god .
Alice Daisy Demi Edgeworth Jo Josie arrival hour perplexities perplexity