The secret garden — Chapter Ten Dickon

　　"Well, for a few years after she died I went and took care of the roses. I don"t do that anymore, because I"m old and stiff. But I think many of them lived."

　　Mary was more and more excited. "Ben Weatherstaff, when some roses have no leaves, and look gray and brown and dry, how do you know if they me dead or alive?" she cried. She had forgotten to be careful.

　　"When the spring comes, look at the branches of the rose plants. If you see a small bump on the branches, they"re alive. After a warm rain you"ll see what happens. Now see here! Why do you care about roses so much, all of a sudden?" he said, looking closely at Mary.

　　Mary"s face grew red. "Well...I want to -- to pretend that I have a garden," she said slowly. "There is nothing for me to do. I have nothing -- and no one."

　　"That"s true," said Ben slowly as he watched her. "You haven’t."

　　Mary wondered if he felt sorry for her. She stayed with him for ten minutes more, asking him as many questions as she dared. He answered her in his strange way, but Mary thought that he might be beginning to like her, a little. She stayed with him until he said, "Now look here! Go and play. You ask too many questions! I " m finished talking for today."

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