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 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 XXXXX , with a skip .
Alice Daisy Demi Jo Josie Nickleby Ted cucumbers hours perplexities