The handsome brute , just subdued , stood arching his neck under the tightly drawn rein , with one foot impatiently pawing the ground , and ears pricked up as if listening for the voice that had mastered him . In the ruffled mane , the rider 's breezy hair and erect attitude , there was a suggestion of suddenly arrested motion , of strength , courage , and youthful buoyancy that contrasted sharply with the supine grace of the ' Dolce far Niente ' sketch . Laurie said nothing but as his eye went from one to the other , Amy saw him flush up and fold his lips together as if he read and accepted the little lesson she had given him . That satisfied her , and without waiting for him to speak , she said , in her sprightly way ... `` Do n't you remember the day you played Rarey with Puck , and we all looked on ? Meg and Beth were frightened , but Jo clapped and pranced , and I sat on the fence and drew you . I found that sketch in my portfolio the other day , touched it up , and kept it to show you . '' `` Much obliged . You 've improved immensely since then , and I congratulate you . May I venture to suggest in ' a honeymoon paradise ' that five o'clock is the dinner hour at your hotel ? '' Laurie rose as he spoke , returned the pictures with a smile and a bow and looked at his watch , as if to remind her that even moral lectures should have an end . He tried to resume his former easy , indifferent air , but it was an affectation now , for the rousing had been more effacious than he would confess . Amy felt the shade of coldness in his manner , and said to herself ... `` Now , I 've offended him . Well , if it does him good , I 'm glad , if it makes him hate me , I 'm sorry , but it 's true , and I ca n't take back a word of it . '' They laughed and chatted all the way home , and little Baptiste , up behind , thought that monsieur and madamoiselle were in charming spirits . But both felt ill at ease . The friendly frankness was disturbed , the sunshine had a shadow over it , and despite their apparent gaiety , there was a secret discontent in the heart of each . `` Shall we see you this evening , mon frere ? '' asked Amy , as they parted at her aunt 's door . `` Unfortunately I have an engagement . Au revoir , madamoiselle , '' and Laurie bent as if to kiss her hand , in the foreign fashion , which became him better than many men .
Something in his face made XXXXX say quickly and warmly ... `` No , be yourself with me , Laurie , and part in the good old way .
Amy Baptiste Meg Niente Puck frere hour madamoiselle o'clock revoir