So I 've been turning the matter over in my mind the last week , for it was impossible to help seeing that Fred liked me . He said nothing , but little things showed it . He never goes with Flo , always gets on my side of the carriage , table , or promenade , looks sentimental when we are alone , and frowns at anyone else who ventures to speak to me . Yesterday at dinner , when an Austrian officer stared at us and then said something to his friend , a rakish-looking baron , about ' ein wonderschones Blondchen ' , Fred looked as fierce as a lion , and cut his meat so savagely it nearly flew off his plate . He is n't one of the cool , stiff Englishmen , but is rather peppery , for he has Scotch blood in him , as one might guess from his bonnie blue eyes . Well , last evening we went up to the castle about sunset , at least all of us but Fred , who was to meet us there after going to the Post Restante for letters . We had a charming time poking about the ruins , the vaults where the monster tun is , and the beautiful gardens made by the elector long ago for his English wife . I liked the great terrace best , for the view was divine , so while the rest went to see the rooms inside , I sat there trying to sketch the gray stone lion 's head on the wall , with scarlet woodbine sprays hanging round it . I felt as if I 'd got into a romance , sitting there , watching the Neckar rolling through the valley , listening to the music of the Austrian band below , and waiting for my lover , like a real storybook girl . I had a feeling that something was going to happen and I was ready for it . I did n't feel blushy or quakey , but quite cool and only a little excited . By-and-by I heard Fred 's voice , and then he came hurrying through the great arch to find me . He looked so troubled that I forgot all about myself , and asked what the matter was . He said he 'd just got a letter begging him to come home , for Frank was very ill . So he was going at once on the night train and only had time to say good-by . I was very sorry for him , and disappointed for myself , but only for a minute because he said , as he shook hands , and said it in a way that I could not mistake , `` I shall soon come back , you wo n't forget me , Amy ? '' I did n't promise , but I looked at him , and he seemed satisfied , and there was no time for anything but messages and good-byes , for he was off in an hour , and we all miss him very much . I know he wanted to speak , but I think , from something he once hinted , that he had promised his father not to do anything of the sort yet a while , for he is a rash boy , and the old gentleman dreads a foreign daughter-in-law . We shall soon meet in Rome , and then , if I do n't change my mind , I 'll say `` Yes , thank you , '' when he says `` Will you , please ? '' Of course this is all very private , but I wished you to know what was going on .
Do n't be anxious about me , remember I am your ` prudent XXXXX ' , and be sure I will do nothing rashly .
Amy Austrian English Flo Frank Neckar Restante Rome minute quakey