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 Josie , with a skip . ` What is it ? Do n't be ridiculous , please , ' begged the bashful lover , eager , but afraid of this sharp-tongued bit of womanhood . ' I read in one of Miss Edgeworth 's stories about a man who offers three roses to his lady -- a bud , a half-blown , and a full-blown rose . I do n't remember which she took ; but it 's a pretty way ; and Alice knows about it because she was there when we read it . Here are all kinds ; you 've got the two buds , pick the sweetest rose you can find , and I 'll tie them up and put them in her room . She is coming to dress with Daisy , so I can do it nicely . ' Demi mused a moment with his eyes on the bridal bush , and a smile came over his face so unlike any it had ever worn before , that Josie was touched , and looked away as if she had no right to see the dawn of the great passion which , while it lasts , makes a young man as happy as a god . ` Do it , ' was all he said , and gathered a full-blown rose to finish his floral love-message . Charmed to have a finger in this romantic pie , Josie tied a graceful bow of ribbon about the stems , and finished her last nosegay with much content , while Demi wrote upon a card : DEAR ALICE , You know what the flowers mean . Will you wear one , or all tonight , and make me still prouder , fonder , and happier than I am ? Yours entirely , JOHN Offering this to his sister , he said in a tone that made her feel the deep importance of her mission : ' I trust you , Jo . This means everything to me . No jokes , dear , if you love me . ' Josie 's answer was a kiss that promised all things ; and then she ran away to do her ` gentle spiriting ' , like Ariel , leaving Demi to dream among the roses like Ferdinand . Mary and Ludmilla were charmed with their bouquets ; and the giver had the delight of putting some of the flowers into the dark hair and the light as she played maid at the toilettes of ` our brides ' , which consoled her for a disappointment in the matter of veils .
No one helped Alice dress ; for XXXXX was in the next room with her mother ; and not even their loving eyes saw the welcome which the little posy received , nor the tears and smiles and blushes that came and went as she read the note and pondered what answer she should give .
Ariel Daisy Demi Edgeworth Josie Ludmilla Mary nosegay right toilettes