he placed delicate tributes of spruce gum, molasses taffy, " conversation " candies and decorated slate pencils on her desk; he persistently " chose " her in all school games calling for a partner; he entreated to be allowed to carry her basket from school; he offered to work her sums for her; and rumour had it that he had made a wild statement to the effect that he meant to ask if he might see her home some night from prayer meeting.