As few brothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sister 's pockets , read and reread diligently , cried over when short , kissed when long , and treasured carefully , we will not hint that Amy did any of these fond and foolish things . But she certainly did grow a little pale and pensive that spring , lost much of her relish for society , and went out sketching alone a good deal . She never had much to show when she came home , but was studying nature , I dare say , while she sat for hours , with her hands folded , on the terrace at Valrosa , or absently sketched any fancy that occurred to her , a stalwart knight carved on a tomb , a young man asleep in the grass , with his hat over his eyes , or a curly haired girl in gorgeous array , promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman , both faces being left a blur according to the last fashion in art , which was safe but not altogether satisfactory . Her aunt thought that she regretted her answer to Fred , and finding denials useless and explanations impossible , Amy left her to think what she liked , taking care that Laurie should know that Fred had gone to Egypt . That was all , but he understood it , and looked relieved , as he said to himself , with a venerable air ... `` I was sure she would think better of it . Poor old fellow ! I 've been through it all , and I can sympathize . '' With that he heaved a great sigh , and then , as if he had discharged his duty to the past , put his feet up on the sofa and enjoyed Amy 's letter luxuriously . While these changes were going on abroad , trouble had come at home . But the letter telling that Beth was failing never reached Amy , and when the next found her at Vevay , for the heat had driven them from Nice in May , and they had travelled slowly to Switzerland , by way of Genoa and the Italian lakes . She bore it very well , and quietly submitted to the family decree that she should not shorten her visit , for since it was too late to say goodbye to Beth , she had better stay , and let absence soften her sorrow . But her heart was very heavy , she longed to be at home , and every day looked wistfully across the lake , waiting for Laurie to come and comfort her . He did come very soon , for the same mail brought letters to them both , but he was in Germany , and it took some days to reach him . The moment he read it , he packed his knapsack , bade adieu to his fellow pedestrians , and was off to keep his promise , with a heart full of joy and sorrow , hope and suspense . He knew Vevay well , and as soon as the boat touched the little quay , he hurried along the shore to La Tour , where the Carrols were living en pension . The garcon was in despair that the whole family had gone to take a promenade on the lake , but no , the blonde mademoiselle might be in the chateau garden . If monsieur would give himself the pain of sitting down , a flash of time should present her . But monsieur could not wait even a ` flash of time ' , and in the middle of the speech departed to find mademoiselle himself . A pleasant old garden on the borders of the lovely lake , with chestnuts rustling overhead , ivy climbing everywhere , and the black shadow of the tower falling far across the sunny water . At one corner of the wide , low wall was a seat , and here Amy often came to read or work , or console herself with the beauty all about her .
She was sitting here that XXXXX , leaning her head on her hand , with a homesick heart and heavy eyes , thinking of Beth and wondering why Laurie did not come .
Amy Egypt Genoa Switzerland Tour Valrosa console day hours left