It was rather pathetic to see the once merry girl who used to be the life of the wood-parties now carefully lifting herself from the couch , and , leaning on her mother 's strong arm , slowly take the half-dozen steps that made up her little expedition . But she was happy , and stood smiling out at old Bun skipping down the walk , the gold-edged clouds that drew apart so that a sunbeam might give her a good-night kiss as she gathered her long-cherished daisies , primroses , and hyacinths to fill the pretty basket in her hand . `` Who is it for , my dearie ? '' asked her mother , standing behind her as a prop , while the thin fingers did their work so willingly that not a flower was left . `` 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 XXXXX 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 .
Bun Jack Jill Lucinda Pecq hyacinth left months right sunbeam