and Demi pulled a half-opened bud , with a sudden colour in his own face ; which sign of confusion delighted little Jo . ` Do n't be a hypocrite . You know I mean Alice . Now , Jack , I 'm fond of you , and want to help ; it 's so interesting -- all these lovers and weddings and things , and we ought to have our share . So you take my advice and speak up like a man , and make sure of Alice before she goes . ' Demi laughed at the seriousness of the small girl 's advice ; but he liked it , and showed that it suited him by saying blandly , instead of snubbing her as usual : ` You are very kind , child . Since you are so wise , could you give me a hint how I 'd better ` speak up ' , as you elegantly express it ? ' ` Oh , well , there are various ways , you know . In plays the lovers go down on their knees ; but that 's awkward when they have long legs . Ted never does it well , though I drill him for hours . You could say , `` Be mine , be mine ! '' like the old man who threw cucumbers over the wall to Mrs Nickleby , if you want to be gay and easy ; or you could write a poetical pop . You 've tried it , I dare say . ' ` 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 XXXXX , he loved on and enjoyed his secret alone , meaning soon to tell her all about it .
Alice Daisy Demi Jack Jo Nickleby Ted colour cucumbers hours