`` Try lower down , and pick those that have no thorns , '' said Amy , gathering three of the tiny cream-colored ones that starred the wall behind her . She put them in his buttonhole as a peace offering , and he stood a minute looking down at them with a curious expression , for in the Italian part of his nature there was a touch of superstition , and he was just then in that state of half-sweet , half-bitter melancholy , when imaginative young men find significance in trifles and food for romance everywhere . He had thought of Jo in reaching after the thorny red rose , for vivid flowers became her , and she had often worn ones like that from the greenhouse at home . The pale roses Amy gave him were the sort that the Italians lay in dead hands , never in bridal wreaths , and for a moment he wondered if the omen was for Jo or for himself , but the next instant his American common sense got the better of sentimentality , and he laughed a heartier laugh than Amy had heard since he came . `` It 's good advice , you 'd better take it and save your fingers , '' she said , thinking her speech amused him . `` Thank you , I will , '' he answered in jest , and a few months later he did it in earnest . `` Laurie , when are you going to your grandfather ? '' she asked presently , as she settled herself on a rustic seat . `` Very soon . '' `` You have said that a dozen times within the last three weeks . '' `` I dare say , short answers save trouble . '' `` He expects you , and you really ought to go . '' `` Hospitable creature ! I know it . '' `` Then why do n't you do it ? '' `` Natural depravity , I suppose . '' `` Natural indolence , you mean . It 's really dreadful ! '' and Amy looked severe . `` Not so bad as it seems , for I should only plague him if I went , so I might as well stay and plague you a little longer , you can bear it better , in fact I think it agrees with you excellently , '' and Laurie composed himself for a lounge on the broad ledge of the balustrade .
XXXXX shook her head and opened her sketchbook with an air of resignation , but she had made up her mind to lecture ` that boy ' and in a minute she began again .
American Amy Italian Jo Laurie half-bitter half-sweet minute trifles weeks