Daisy has n't a bit of the actress in her , and Alice puts life into the dullest words she speaks . I think the Marquise is just perfect in our piece , ' said Demi , strolling about the room as if the warmth of the fire sent a sudden colour to his face . ` So do I . She is a dear girl , and I 'm proud and fond of her . Where is she tonight ? ' ` Pegging away at her Greek , I suppose . She usually is in the evening . More 's the pity , ' added Demi , in a low tone , as he stared intently at the book-case , though he could n't read a title . ` Now , there is a girl after my own heart . Pretty , well-bred , well-educated , and yet domestic , a real companion as well as help-meet for some good and intelligent man . I hope she will find one . ' ` So do I , ' muttered Demi . Mrs Meg had taken up her work again , and was surveying a half-finished buttonhole with so much interest that her son 's face escaped her eye . He shed a beaming smile upon the rows of poets , as if even in their glass prison they could sympathize and rejoice with him at the first rosy dawn of the great passion which they knew so well . But Demi was a wise youth , and never leaped before looking carefully . He hardly knew his own heart yet , and was contented to wait till the sentiment , the fluttering of those folded wings he began to feel , should escape from the chrysalis and be ready to soar away in the sunshine to seek and claim its lovely mate . He had said nothing ; but the brown eyes were eloquent , and there was an unconscious underplot to all the little plays he and Alice Heath acted so well together . She was busy with her books , bound to graduate with high honours , and he was trying to do the same in that larger college open to all , and where each man has his own prize to win or lose . Demi had nothing but himself to offer and , being a modest youth , considered that a poor gift till he had proved his power to earn his living , and the right to take a woman 's happiness into his keeping . No one guessed that he had caught the fever except sharp-eyed Josie , and she , having a wholesome fear of her brother -- who could be rather awful when she went too far -- wisely contented herself with watching him like a little cat , ready to pounce on the first visible sign of weakness .
XXXXX had taken to playing pensively upon his flute after he was in his room for the night , making this melodious friend his confidante , and breathing into it all the tender hopes and fears that filled his heart .
Alice Demi Greek Heath Josie buttonhole chrysalis colour escape fire