Meeting Dickon

Mary spent nearly a week working in the secret garden.

Each day she found new shoots coming out of the ground.

Soon, there would be flowers everywhere-thousands of them.

It was an exciting game to her.

When she was inside those beautiful old walls, on one knew where she was.

During that week, she became more friendly with Ben, who was often digging in one of the vegetable gardens.

What are your favorite flowers, Ben? she asked him one day.

Roses. I used to work for a yound lady who loved roses,you see, and she had a lot in her garden.

That was ten years ago. but she died. Very sad, it was.

What happened to the roses? asked Mary.They were left there, in the garden.

If rose branches look dry and grey, are they still alive? asked Mary.

It was so important to know.

In the spring, They will show green shoots. and then--but why are you so interested in roses? he asked.

Mary's face went red, I just wanted to pretend I have got a garden, I haven't got anyone to play with.

Well, that is true. said Ben. He seemed to feel sorry for her.

Mary decided she liked old Ben, although he was sometimes bad-tempered.

She skipped along and into the wood at the end of the gardens.

Suddenly, she heard a strange noise, and there in front of her was a boy.

He was sitting under a tree, playing on a wooden pipe.

He was about twelve, with a healthy red face and bright blue eyes.

There was a suqirrel and a crow in the tree, and two rabbits sitting on the grass near him.

They are listening to the music, thought Mary. I mustn't frighten them.

She stood very still.

They boy stopped playing.

That is right. he said, Animal don't like it if you move suddenly.

I am Dickon, and you must be miss Mary. I have brought you the spade and the seeds.

He spoke in an easy, friendly way.

Mary liked him at once.

As tehy were looking at the seed pockets together, the robin hopped on to a branch near them.

Dickon listened carefully to the robin's song.

He is saying he is your friend, he told Mary.

Really? Oh, I am pleased he likes me. Can you understand everything that birds say?

I think I do, and they think I do. I have lived on the moor with them for so long.

Sometimes I think I am a bird for an animal, not a boy at all.

His smile was the widest she had ever seen.

He explained how to plant the seeds.

Suddenly he said, I can help you plant them.Where is your garden?

Mary went red, then white.

She had never thought of this.

What was she going to say?

Could you keep a secret? It is a great secret. If anyone discoveres it, I will die.

I keep secrets for all the wild birds and animal on the moor. So I can keep yours too,he replied.

I have stolen a garden, she said very fast. Nobody goes into it, nobody wants it. I love it and nobody takes care of it. They are letting it die.

And she threw her arms over her face and started crying.

Do not cry. said Dickon gently. Where is it?

Come with me and I will show you. said Mary.