` Wish I could ! ' and Demi picked a little bud , with a sigh that went to Josie 's warm heart . ` Why do n't you , then ? It 's lovely to see people so happy . Now 's a good time to do it if you ever mean to . She will be going away for ever soon . ' ` Who ? ' 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 , XXXXX , I do love Alice , and I think she knows it .
Alice Demi Jack Jo Josie Nickleby Ted colour cucumbers hours