But Tommy was as good as a dozen playmates , and Bessie thought him the best boy in the world . Tommy , whatever he might be with others , was very careful to be good when he was with Bessie . He never said a rude word in her hearing , and he treated her as if she were a little princess . Miss Octavia would have been amazed beyond measure if she had seen how tender and thoughtful and kind and chivalrous that neglected urchin of a Tommy could be when he tried . Tommy found Bessie sitting by the kitchen window , looking dreamily out of it . For just a moment Tommy thought uneasily that Bessie was looking very pale and thin this spring . `` Bessie , come for a walk up to Mr. Blacklock 's store , '' he said eagerly . `` There is something there I want to show you . '' `` What is it ? '' Bessie wanted to know . But Tommy only winked mysteriously . `` Ah , I ai n't going to tell you . But it 's something awful pretty . Just you wait . '' Bessie reached for her crutch and the two went up to the store , Tommy carefully suiting his steps to Bessie 's slow ones . Just before they reached the store he made her shut her eyes and led her to the window . `` Now -- look ! '' he commanded dramatically . Bessie looked and Tommy was rewarded . She flushed pinkly with delight and clasped her hands in ecstasy .
`` Oh , XXXXX , is n't she perfectly beautiful ? ''
Bessie Blacklock Mr. Octavia Tommy delight hearing others urchin word