`` For My Lady , of course . Who else would I give my posies to , when I love them so well ? '' answered Jill , who thought no name too fine for their best friend . `` I fancied it would be for Master Jack , '' said her mother , wishing the excursion to be a cheerful one . `` I 've another for him , but she must have the prettiest . He is going to hang it for me , and ring and run away , and she wo n't know who it 's from till she sees this . She will remember it , for I 've been turning and tending it ever so long , to make it bloom to-day . Is n't it a beauty ? '' and Jill held up her finest hyacinth , which seemed to ring its pale pink bells as if glad to carry its sweet message from a grateful little heart . `` Indeed it is ; and you are right to give your best to her . Come away now , you must not stand any longer . Come and rest while I fetch a dish to put the flowers in till you want them ; '' and Mrs. Pecq turned her round with her small Maying safely done . `` I did n't think I 'd ever be able to do even so much , and here I am walking and sitting up , and going to drive some day . Is n't it nice that I 'm not to be a poor Lucinda after all ? '' and Jill drew a long sigh of relief that six months instead of twenty years would probably be the end of her captivity . `` Yes , thank Heaven ! I do n't think I could have borne that ; '' and the mother took Jill in her arms as if she were a baby , holding her close for a minute , and laying her down with a tender kiss that made the arms cling about her neck as her little girl returned it heartily , for all sorts of new , sweet feelings seemed to be budding in both , born of great joy and thankfulness . Then Mrs. Pecq hurried away to see about tea for the hungry boys , and Jill watched the pleasant twilight deepen as she lay singing to herself one of the songs her friend taught her because it fitted her so well . `` A little bird I am , Shut from the fields of air , And in my cage I sit and sing To Him who placed me there : Well pleased a prisoner to be , Because , my God , it pleases Thee ! `` Naught have I else to do ; I sing the whole day long ; And He whom most I love to please Doth listen to my song , He caught and bound my wandering wing , But still He bends to hear me sing . ''
`` Now we are ready for you , so bring on your flowers , '' said Molly to the boys , as she and Merry added their store of baskets to the gay show XXXXX had set forth on the long table ready for the evening 's work .
Doth Jill Lucinda Pecq hyacinth minute months posies right years