`` Is n't it ? David German is going to spend a year in Rome , to finish a statue , and wants me to go along . Grandma is willing , as cousin Maria wants her for a long visit , so everything looks promising and I really think I may go . '' `` Wo n't it cost a great deal ? '' asked Merry , who , in spite of her little elegancies , had a good deal of her thrifty mother 's common sense . `` Yes ; and I 've got to earn it . But I can -- I know I can , for I 've saved some , and I shall work like ten beavers all summer . I wo n't borrow if I can help it , but I know someone who would lend me five hundred if I wanted it ; '' and Ralph looked as eager and secure as if the earning of twice that sum was a mere trifle when all the longing of his life was put into his daily tasks . `` 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 XXXXX , watching the innocent face , which looked unusually kind and beautiful to him in that soft light .
German Italy Maria Merry Paris Ralph Rome beavers elegancies minute