All about them other pairs were wandering under the patriarchal elms , enjoying music , starlight , balmy winds , and all the luxuries of the season . If the band had played `` Oh , there 's nothing half so sweet in life As love 's young dream -- '' it is my private opinion that it would have suited the audience to a T. Being principally composed of elderly gentlemen with large families , they had not that fine sense of the fitness of things so charming to see , and tooted and banged away with waltzes and marches , quite regardless of the flocks of Romeos and Juliets philandering all about them . Under cover of a popular medley , Kitty overheard Fletcher quizzing her for the amusement of Miss Pinkbonnet , who was evidently making up for lost time . It was feeble wit , but it put the finishing stroke to Kitty 's vanity , and she dropped a tear in her blue tissue retreat , and clung to Jack , feeling that she had never valued him half enough . She hoped he did n't hear the gossip going on at the other side of the tree near which they stood ; but he did , for his hand involuntarily doubled itself up into a very dangerous-looking fist , and he darted such fiery glances at the speaker , that , if the thing had been possible . Fletcher 's ambrosial curls would have been scorched off his head . `` Never mind , and do n't get angry , Jack . They are right about one thing , -- the daisies in my bonnet were real , and I could n't afford any others . I do n't care much , only Pris worked so hard to get me ready I hate to have my things made fun of . '' `` He is n't worth a thrashing , so we 'll let it pass this time , '' said Jack , irefully , yet privately resolving to have it out with Fletcher by and by . `` Why , Kitty , I thought the real daisies the prettiest things about your dress . Do n't throw them away . I 'll wear them just to show that noodle that I prefer nature to art ; '' and Jack gallantly stuck the faded posy in his button-hole , while Kitty treasured up the hint so kindly given for future use . If a clock with great want of tact had n't insisted on telling them that it was getting late , Kitty never would have got home , for both the young people felt inclined to loiter about arm in arm through the sweet summer night forever . Jack had meant to say something before she went , and was immensely surprised to find the chance lost for the present . He wanted to go home with her and free his mind ; but a neighborly old gentleman having been engaged as escort , there would have been very little satisfaction in a travelling trio ; so he gave it up . He was very silent as they walked to the station with Dr. Dodd trudging behind them . Kitty thought he was tired , perhaps glad to be rid of her , and meekly accepted her fate . But as the train approached , she gave his hand an impulsive squeeze , and said very gratefully , -- `` Jack , I ca n't thank you enough for your kindness to your silly little cousin ; but I never shall forget it , and if I ever can return it in any way , I will with all my heart . '' Jack looked down at the young face almost pathetic now with weariness , humility , and pain , yet very sweet , with that new shyness in the loving eyes , and , stooping suddenly , he kissed it , whispering in a tone that made the girl 's heart flutter , -- `` I 'll tell you how you may return it ` with all your heart , ' by and by .
Good-night , my XXXXX . ''
Being Jack Juliets Kitty Romeos button-hole noodle right shyness thrashing