It was big and dark and silent . `` So the old place is still standing , '' said Sidney , looking up at it . In the dusk I thought his face had a tender , reverent look instead of the rather mocking expression it had worn all along . `` Have n't you been there yet ? '' I asked quickly . `` No . I 'm stopping at the hotel over in Croyden . The house will need some fixing up before it 's fit to live in . I just came down tonight to look at it and took a short cut through the woods . I 'm glad I did . It was worth while to see you come tramping down that long white avenue when you thought yourself alone with the silence . I thought I had never seen a child so full of the pure joy of existence . Hold fast to that , little lass , as long as you can . You 'll never find anything to take its place after it goes . You jolly little child ! '' `` I 'm eighteen , '' I said suddenly . I do n't know what made me say it . He laughed and pulled his coat collar up around his ears . `` Never , '' he mocked . `` You 're about twelve ... stay twelve , and always wear red caps and jackets , you vivid thing : Good night . ''
He was off across the lake , and I XXXXX home .
asked came look mocked need pulled seen standing wear worn