`` They are the finest I have ever seen . '' The compliment to his roses , well-deserved as it was , did not at first engage his attention . He pretended to frown at me . `` Do n't get into any bad habit of mistering me , Master , '' he said . `` You 'd better begin by calling me Uncle Dick from the start and then you wo n't have the trouble of changing . Because it would come to that -- it always does . But come in , come in ! There 's a gate round here . I want to get acquainted with you . I have a taste for schoolmasters . I did n't possess it when I was a boy '' -LRB- a glint of fun appeared in his blue eyes -RRB- . `` It 's an acquired taste . '' I accepted his invitation and went , not only into his garden but , as was proved later , into his confidence and affection . He linked his arm with mine and piloted me about to show me his pets . `` I potter about this garden considerable , '' he said . `` It pleases the women folks to have lots of posies . '' I laughed , for Uncle Dick was a bachelor and considered to be a hopeless one . `` Do n't laugh , Master , '' he said , pressing my arm . `` I 've no woman folk of my own about me now , 't is true . But all the girls in the district come to Uncle Dick when they want flowers for their little diversions .
Besides -- perhaps -- sometimes -- '' Uncle Dick broke off and stood in a brown study , looking XXXXX an old stump aflame with nasturtiums for fully three minutes .
Because as at by for from in into of with