`` I wish I had it to give you . It must be so splendid to feel that you can do great things if you only have the chance . And to travel , and see all the lovely pictures and statues , and people and places in Italy . How happy you must be ! '' and Merry 's eyes had the wistful look they always wore when she dreamed dreams of the world she loved to live in . `` I am -- so happy that I 'm afraid it never will happen . If I do go , I 'll write and tell you all about the fine sights , and how I get on . Would you like me to ? '' asked Ralph , beginning enthusiastically and ending rather bashfully , for he admired Merry very much , and was not quite sure how this proposal would be received . `` Indeed I should ! I 'd feel so grand to have letters from Paris and Rome , and you 'd have so much to tell it would be almost as good as going myself , '' she said , looking off into the daffodil sky , as they paused a minute on the hill-top to get breath , for both had walked as fast as they talked . `` And will you answer the letters ? '' asked Ralph , watching the innocent face , which looked unusually kind and beautiful to him in that soft light . `` Why , yes ; I 'd love to , only I shall not have anything interesting to say . What can I write about ? '' and Merry smiled as she thought how dull her letters would sound after the exciting details his would doubtless give . `` Write about yourself , and all the rest of the people I know . Grandma will be gone , and I shall want to hear how you get on . '' Ralph looked very anxious indeed to hear , and Merry promised she would tell all about the other people , adding , as she turned from the evening peace and loveliness to the house , whence came the clatter of milk-pans and the smell of cooking , -- `` I never should have anything very nice to tell about myself , for I do n't do interesting things as you do , and you would n't care to hear about school , and sewing , and messing round at home . '' Merry gave a disdainful little sniff at the savory perfume of ham which saluted them , and paused with her hand on the gate , as if she found it pleasanter out there than in the house .
XXXXX seemed to agree with her , for , leaning on the gate , he lingered to say , with real sympathy in his tone and something else in his face , `` Yes , I should ; so you write and tell me all about it .
Italy Merry Paris Ralph Rome daffodil evening hill-top milk-pans minute