Jasper , startled , wished that he might sink into the ground . His anguish of embarrassment made her smile a little . He could not speak , so she went on gently . `` It has been so good of you . They have given me so much pleasure -- I wish you could know how much . '' `` It was nothing -- nothing , '' stammered Jasper . His book had fallen on the ground at her feet , and she picked it up and held it out to him . `` So you like Ruskin , '' she said . `` I do , too . But I have n't read this . '' `` If you -- would care -- to read it -- you may have it , '' Jasper contrived to say . She carried the book away with her . He did not again hide when she passed , and when she brought the book back they talked a little about it over the fence . He lent her others , and got some from her in return ; they fell into the habit of discussing them . Jasper did not find it hard to talk to her now ; it seemed as if he were talking to his dream Alice , and it came strangely natural to him . He did not talk volubly , but Alice thought what he did say was worth while . His words lingered in her memory and made music . She always found his flowers under the pine , and she always wore some of them , but she did not know if he noticed this or not . One evening Jasper walked shyly with her from his gate up the pine hill . After that he always walked that far with her .
She would have missed him much XXXXX he had failed to do so ; yet it did not occur to her that she was learning to love him .
about from if in into like so that while with