`` I do , so much . Aunt and Flo are very kind , but you seem like one of the family , and it would be so comfortable to have you for a little while . '' Amy spoke and looked so like a homesick child whose heart was full that Laurie forgot his bashfulness all at once , and gave her just what she wanted -- the petting she was used to and the cheerful conversation she needed . `` Poor little soul , you look as if you 'd grieved yourself half sick ! I 'm going to take care of you , so do n't cry any more , but come and walk about with me , the wind is too chilly for you to sit still , '' he said , in the half-caressing , half-commanding way that Amy liked , as he tied on her hat , drew her arm through his , and began to pace up and down the sunny walk under the new-leaved chestnuts . He felt more at ease upon his legs , and Amy found it pleasant to have a strong arm to lean upon , a familiar face to smile at her , and a kind voice to talk delightfully for her alone . The quaint old garden had sheltered many pairs of lovers , and seemed expressly made for them , so sunny and secluded was it , with nothing but the tower to overlook them , and the wide lake to carry away the echo of their words , as it rippled by below . For an hour this new pair walked and talked , or rested on the wall , enjoying the sweet influences which gave such a charm to time and place , and when an unromantic dinner bell warned them away , Amy felt as if she left her burden of loneliness and sorrow behind her in the chateau garden . The moment Mrs. Carrol saw the girl 's altered face , she was illuminated with a new idea , and exclaimed to herself , `` Now I understand it all -- the child has been pining for young Laurence . Bless my heart , I never thought of such a thing ! '' With praiseworthy discretion , the good lady said nothing , and betrayed no sign of enlightenment , but cordially urged Laurie to stay and begged Amy to enjoy his society , for it would do her more good than so much solitude . Amy was a model of docility , and as her aunt was a good deal occupied with Flo , she was left to entertain her friend , and did it with more than her usual success . At Nice , Laurie had lounged and Amy had scolded . At Vevay , Laurie was never idle , but always walking , riding , boating , or studying in the most energetic manner , while Amy admired everything he did and followed his example as far and as fast as she could . He said the change was owing to the climate , and she did not contradict him , being glad of a like excuse for her own recovered health and spirits . The invigorating air did them both good , and much exercise worked wholesome changes in minds as well as bodies . They seemed to get clearer views of life and duty up there among the everlasting hills . The fresh winds blew away desponding doubts , delusive fancies , and moody mists . The warm spring sunshine brought out all sorts of aspiring ideas , tender hopes , and happy thoughts . The lake seemed to wash away the troubles of the past , and the grand old mountains to look benignly down upon them saying , `` Little children , love one another . ''
In spite of the new sorrow , it was a very happy time , so happy that XXXXX could not bear to disturb it by a word .
Carrol Flo Laurence Laurie Nice bashfulness docility half-caressing hour left