`` I could n't help it , I felt so lonely and sad , and was so very glad to see you . It was such a surprise to look up and find you , just as I was beginning to fear you would n't come , '' she said , trying in vain to speak quite naturally . `` I came the minute I heard . I wish I could say something to comfort you for the loss of dear little Beth , but I can only feel , and ... '' He could not get any further , for he too turned bashful all of a sudden , and did not quite know what to say . He longed to lay Amy 's head down on his shoulder , and tell her to have a good cry , but he did not dare , so took her hand instead , and gave it a sympathetic squeeze that was better than words . `` You need n't say anything , this comforts me , '' she said softly . `` Beth is well and happy , and I must n't wish her back , but I dread the going home , much as I long to see them all . We wo n't talk about it now , for it makes me cry , and I want to enjoy you while you stay . You need n't go right back , need you ? '' `` Not if you want me , dear . '' `` I do , so much . Aunt and Flo are very kind , but you seem like one of the family , and it would be so comfortable to have you for a little while . '' Amy spoke and looked so like a homesick child whose heart was full that Laurie forgot his bashfulness all at once , and gave her just what she wanted -- the petting she was used to and the cheerful conversation she needed . `` Poor little soul , you look as if you 'd grieved yourself half sick ! I 'm going to take care of you , so do n't cry any more , but come and walk about with me , the wind is too chilly for you to sit still , '' he said , in the half-caressing , half-commanding way that Amy liked , as he tied on her hat , drew her arm through his , and began to pace up and down the sunny walk under the new-leaved chestnuts . He felt more at ease upon his legs , and Amy found it pleasant to have a strong arm to lean upon , a familiar face to smile at her , and a kind voice to talk delightfully for her alone . The quaint old garden had sheltered many pairs of lovers , and seemed expressly made for them , so sunny and secluded was it , with nothing but the tower to overlook them , and the wide lake to carry away the echo of their words , as it rippled by below . For an hour this new pair walked and talked , or rested on the wall , enjoying the sweet influences which gave such a charm to time and place , and when an unromantic dinner bell warned them away , Amy felt as if she left her burden of loneliness and sorrow behind her in the chateau garden . The moment Mrs. Carrol saw the girl 's altered face , she was illuminated with a new idea , and exclaimed to herself , `` Now I understand it all -- the child has been pining for young Laurence . Bless my heart , I never thought of such a thing ! ''
With praiseworthy discretion , the good lady said nothing , and betrayed no sign of enlightenment , but cordially urged Laurie to stay and begged XXXXX to enjoy his society , for it would do her more good than so much solitude .
Amy Beth Carrol Flo Laurence Laurie bashfulness half-caressing hour right