It was like beholding the gradual development of some rare flower in one 's garden . A little checking and pruning here , a careful training of shoot and tendril there , and , lo , the reward of grace and symmetry ! Betty grew up as I would have wished Jack Churchill 's girl to grow -- spirited and proud , with the fine spirit and gracious pride of pure womanhood , loyal and loving , with the loyalty and love of a frank and unspoiled nature ; true to her heart 's core , hating falsehood and sham -- as crystal-clear a mirror of maidenhood as ever man looked into and saw himself reflected back in such a halo as made him ashamed of not being more worthy of it . Betty was kind enough to say that I had taught her everything she knew . But what had she not taught me ? If there were a debt between us , it was on my side . Sara was fairly well satisfied . It was not my fault that Betty was not better looking , she said . I had certainly done everything for her mind and character that could be done . Sara 's manner implied that these unimportant details did not count for much , balanced against the lack of a pink-and-white skin and dimpled elbows ; but she was generous enough not to blame me . `` When Betty is twenty-five , '' I said patiently -- I had grown used to speaking patiently to Sara -- `` she will be a magnificent woman -- far handsomer than you ever were , Sara , in your pinkest and whitest prime . Where are your eyes , my dear lady , that you ca n't see the promise of loveliness in Betty ? '' `` Betty is seventeen , and she is as lanky and brown as ever she was , '' sighed Sara . `` When I was seventeen I was the belle of the county and had had five proposals . I do n't believe the thought of a lover has ever entered Betty 's head . '' `` I hope not , '' I said shortly . Somehow , I did not like the suggestion . `` Betty is a child yet . For pity 's sake , Sara , do n't go putting nonsensical ideas into her head . '' `` I 'm afraid I ca n't , '' mourned Sara , as if it were something to be regretted .
`` You have filled it too full of books and things XXXXX that .
If against as for in into like than to with