But as Lillian appeared he woke up , attended to his duties like a well-trained groom , and lingered over his task as if he liked it . Down the avenue he rode behind her , but as they turned into a shady lane Lillian beckoned , saying , in the imperious tone habitual to her , `` Ride near me . I wish to talk . '' Paul obeyed , and amused her with the chat she liked till they reached a hazel copse ; here he drew rein , and , leaping down , gathered a handful of ripe nuts for her . `` How nice . Let us rest a minute here , and while I eat a few , please pull some of those flowers for Mamma . She likes a wild nosegay better than any I can bring her from the garden . '' Lillian ate her nuts till Paul came to her with a hatful of late flowers and , standing by her , held the impromptu basket while she made up a bouquet to suit her taste . `` You shall have a posy , too ; I like you to wear one in your buttonhole as the ladies ' grooms do in the Park , '' said the child , settling a scarlet poppy in the blue coat . `` Thanks , Miss Lillian , I 'll wear your colors with all my heart , especially today , for it is my birthday . '' And Paul looked up at the blooming little face with unusual softness in his keen blue eyes . `` Is it ? Why , then , you 're seventeen ; almost a man , are n't you ? '' `` Yes , thank heaven , '' muttered the boy , half to himself . `` I wish I was as old . I sha n't be in my teens till autumn . I must give you something , Paul , because I like you very much , and you are always doing kind things for me . What shall it be ? '' And the child held out her hand with a cordial look and gesture that touched the boy . With one of the foreign fashions which sometimes appeared when he forgot himself , he kissed the small hand , saying impulsively , `` My dear little mistress , I want nothing but your goodwill -- and your forgiveness , '' he added , under his breath .
`` You have that already , XXXXX , and I shall find something to add to it .
Lillian Paul buttonhole colors copse hatful minute nosegay nuts posy