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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jo's Boys, by Louisa May Alcott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Jo's Boys
+
+Author: Louisa May Alcott
+
+Posting Date: February 5, 2009 [EBook #3499]
+Release Date: October, 2002
+Last Updated: March 10, 2018
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JO'S BOYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Project Gutenberg Alcott Team
+
+
+
+
+
+JO'S BOYS
+
+
+By Louisa M. Alcott
+
+
+
+
+     Chapter 1    Ten Years Later
+     Chapter 2    Parnassus
+     Chapter 3    Jo's Last Scrape
+     Chapter 4    Dan
+     Chapter 5    Vacation
+     Chapter 6    Last Words
+     Chapter 7    The Lion and the Lamb
+     Chapter 8    Josie Plays Mermaid
+     Chapter 9    The Worm Turns
+     Chapter 10   Demi Settles
+     Chapter 11   Emil's Thanksgiving
+     Chapter 12   Dan's Christmas
+     Chapter 13   Nat's New Year
+     Chapter 14   Plays at Plumfield
+     Chapter 15   Waiting
+     Chapter 16   In the Tennis-court
+     Chapter 17   Among the Maids
+     Chapter 18   Class Day
+     Chapter 19   White Roses
+     Chapter 20   Life for Life
+     Chapter 21   Aslauga's Knight
+     Chapter 22   Positively Last Appearance
+
+
+
+
+Chapter 1. TEN YEARS LATER
+
+'If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in
+ten years, I wouldn't have believed it,' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg, as they
+sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day, looking about them with
+faces full of pride and pleasure.
+
+'This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work. I am
+sure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he so
+generously endowed; and a home like this will keep Aunt March's memory
+green as long as it lasts,' answered Mrs Meg, always glad to praise the
+absent.
+
+'We used to believe in fairies, you remember, and plan what we'd ask
+for if we could have three wishes. Doesn't it seem as if mine had been
+really granted at last? Money, fame, and plenty of the work I love,'
+said Mrs Jo, carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands
+over her head just as she used to do when a girl.
+
+'I have had mine, and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart's content. If
+dear Marmee, John, and Beth were here, it would be quite perfect,' added
+Meg, with a tender quiver in her voice; for Marmee's place was empty
+now.
+
+Jo put her hand on her sister's, and both sat silent for a little while,
+surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad and happy
+thoughts.
+
+It certainly did look as if magic had been at work, for quiet Plumfield
+was transformed into a busy little world. The house seemed more
+hospitable than ever, refreshed now with new paint, added wings,
+well-kept lawn and garden, and a prosperous air it had not worn when
+riotous boys swarmed everywhere and it was rather difficult for the
+Bhaers to make both ends meet. On the hill, where kites used to be
+flown, stood the fine college which Mr Laurence's munificent legacy had
+built. Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden
+by childish feet, and many young men and women were enjoying all the
+advantages that wealth, wisdom, and benevolence could give them.
+
+Just inside the gates of Plumfield a pretty brown cottage, very like
+the Dovecote, nestled among the trees, and on the green slope westward
+Laurie's white-pillared mansion glittered in the sunshine; for when the
+rapid growth of the city shut in the old house, spoilt Meg's nest, and
+dared to put a soap-factory under Mr Laurence's indignant nose, our
+friends emigrated to Plumfield, and the great changes began.
+
+These were the pleasant ones; and the loss of the dear old people was
+sweetened by the blessings they left behind; so all prospered now in the
+little community, and Mr Bhaer as president, and Mr March as chaplain
+of the college, saw their long-cherished dream beautifully realized. The
+sisters divided the care of the young people among them, each taking
+the part that suited her best. Meg was the motherly friend of the young
+women, Jo the confidante and defender of all the youths, and Amy the
+lady Bountiful who delicately smoothed the way for needy students, and
+entertained them all so cordially that it was no wonder they named her
+lovely home Mount Parnassus, so full was it of music, beauty, and the
+culture hungry young hearts and fancies long for.
+
+The original twelve boys had of course scattered far and wide during
+these years, but all that lived still remembered old Plumfield, and came
+wandering back from the four quarters of the earth to tell their various
+experiences, laugh over the pleasures of the past, and face the duties
+of the present with fresh courage; for such home-comings keep hearts
+tender and hands helpful with the memories of young and happy days. A
+few words will tell the history of each, and then we can go on with the
+new chapter of their lives.
+
+Franz was with a merchant kinsman in Hamburg, a man of twenty-six now,
+and doing well. Emil was the jolliest tar that ever 'sailed the ocean
+blue'. His uncle sent him on a long voyage to disgust him with this
+adventurous life; but he came home so delighted with it that it was
+plain this was his profession, and the German kinsman gave him a good
+chance in his ships; so the lad was happy. Dan was a wanderer still; for
+after the geological researches in South America he tried sheep-farming
+in Australia, and was now in California looking up mines. Nat was busy
+with music at the Conservatory, preparing for a year or two in Germany
+to finish him off. Tom was studying medicine and trying to like it.
+Jack was in business with his father, bent on getting rich. Dolly was in
+college with Stuffy and Ned reading law. Poor little Dick was dead, so
+was Billy; and no one could mourn for them, since life would never be
+happy, afflicted as they were in mind and body.
+
+Rob and Teddy were called the 'Lion and the Lamb'; for the latter was
+as rampant as the king of beasts, and the former as gentle as any sheep
+that ever baaed. Mrs Jo called him 'my daughter', and found him the
+most dutiful of children, with plenty of manliness underlying the quiet
+manners and tender nature. But in Ted she seemed to see all the faults,
+whims, aspirations, and fun of her own youth in a new shape. With his
+tawny locks always in wild confusion, his long legs and arms, loud
+voice, and continual activity, Ted was a prominent figure at Plumfield.
+He had his moods of gloom, and fell into the Slough of Despond about
+once a week, to be hoisted out by patient Rob or his mother, who
+understood when to let him alone and when to shake him up. He was her
+pride and joy as well as torment, being a very bright lad for his age,
+and so full of all sorts of budding talent, that her maternal mind was
+much exercised as to what this remarkable boy would become.
+
+Demi had gone through College with honour, and Mrs Meg had set her heart
+on his being a minister--picturing in her fond fancy the first sermon
+her dignified young parson would preach, as well as the long, useful,
+and honoured life he was to lead. But John, as she called him now,
+firmly declined the divinity school, saying he had had enough of books,
+and needed to know more of men and the world, and caused the dear woman
+much disappointment by deciding to try a journalist's career. It was
+a blow; but she knew that young minds cannot be driven, and that
+experience is the best teacher; so she let him follow his own
+inclinations, still hoping to see him in the pulpit. Aunt Jo raged when
+she found that there was to be a reporter in the family, and called him
+'Jenkins' on the spot. She liked his literary tendencies, but had reason
+to detest official Paul Prys, as we shall see later. Demi knew his own
+mind, however, and tranquilly carried out his plans, unmoved by the
+tongues of the anxious mammas or the jokes of his mates. Uncle Teddy
+encouraged him, and painted a splendid career, mentioning Dickens and
+other celebrities who began as reporters and ended as famous novelists
+or newspaper men.
+
+The girls were all flourishing. Daisy, as sweet and domestic as ever,
+was her mother's comfort and companion. Josie at fourteen was a most
+original young person, full of pranks and peculiarities, the latest of
+which was a passion for the stage, which caused her quiet mother and
+sister much anxiety as well as amusement. Bess had grown into a tall,
+beautiful girl looking several years older than she was, with the same
+graceful ways and dainty tastes which the little Princess had, and a
+rich inheritance of both the father's and mother's gifts, fostered by
+every aid love and money could give. But the pride of the community
+was naughty Nan; for, like so many restless, wilful children, she
+was growing into a woman full of the energy and promise that suddenly
+blossoms when the ambitious seeker finds the work she is fitted to do
+well. Nan began to study medicine at sixteen, and at twenty was getting
+on bravely; for now, thanks to other intelligent women, colleges and
+hospitals were open to her. She had never wavered in her purpose from
+the childish days when she shocked Daisy in the old willow by saying: 'I
+don't want any family to fuss over. I shall have an office, with bottles
+and pestle things in it, and drive round and cure folks.' The future
+foretold by the little girl the young woman was rapidly bringing to
+pass, and finding so much happiness in it that nothing could win her
+from the chosen work. Several worthy young gentlemen had tried to make
+her change her mind and choose, as Daisy did, 'a nice little house and
+family to take care of'. But Nan only laughed, and routed the lovers
+by proposing to look at the tongue which spoke of adoration, or
+professionally felt the pulse in the manly hand offered for her
+acceptance. So all departed but one persistent youth, who was such a
+devoted Traddles it was impossible to quench him.
+
+This was Tom, who was as faithful to his child sweetheart as she to
+her 'pestle things', and gave a proof of fidelity that touched her very
+much. He studied medicine for her sake alone, having no taste for it,
+and a decided fancy for a mercantile life. But Nan was firm, and
+Tom stoutly kept on, devoutly hoping he might not kill many of his
+fellow-beings when he came to practise. They were excellent friends,
+however, and caused much amusement to their comrades, by the
+vicissitudes of this merry love-chase.
+
+Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs Meg and Mrs
+Jo were talking on the piazza. Not together; for Nan was walking briskly
+along the pleasant road alone, thinking over a case that interested her,
+and Tom was pegging on behind to overtake her, as if by accident, when
+the suburbs of the city were past--a little way of his, which was part
+of the joke.
+
+Nan was a handsome girl, with a fresh colour, clear eye, quick smile,
+and the self-poised look young women with a purpose always have. She was
+simply and sensibly dressed, walked easily, and seemed full of vigour,
+with her broad shoulders well back, arms swinging freely, and the
+elasticity of youth and health in every motion. The few people she met
+turned to look at her, as if it was a pleasant sight to see a hearty,
+happy girl walking countryward that lovely day; and the red-faced young
+man steaming along behind, hat off and every tight curl wagging with
+impatience, evidently agreed with them.
+
+Presently a mild 'Hallo!' was borne upon the breeze, and pausing, with
+an effort to look surprised that was an utter failure, Nan said affably:
+
+'Oh, is that you, Tom?'
+
+'Looks like it. Thought you might be walking out today'; and Tom's
+jovial face beamed with pleasure.
+
+'You knew it. How is your throat?' asked Nan in her professional tone,
+which was always a quencher to undue raptures.
+
+'Throat? Oh, ah! yes, I remember. It is well. The effect of that
+prescription was wonderful. I'll never call homoeopathy a humbug again.'
+
+'You were the humbug this time, and so were the unmedicated pellets
+I gave you. If sugar or milk can cure diphtheria in this remarkable
+manner, I'll make a note of it. O Tom, Tom, will you never be done
+playing tricks?'
+
+'O Nan, Nan, will you never be done getting the better of me?' And the
+merry pair laughed at one another just as they did in the old times,
+which always came back freshly when they went to Plumfield.
+
+'Well, I knew I shouldn't see you for a week if I didn't scare up some
+excuse for a call at the office. You are so desperately busy all the
+time I never get a word,' explained Tom.
+
+'You ought to be busy too, and above such nonsense. Really, Tom, if you
+don't give your mind to your lectures, you'll never get on,' said Nan
+soberly.
+
+'I have quite enough of them as it is,' answered Tom with an air of
+disgust. 'A fellow must lark a bit after dissecting corpuses all day.
+I can't stand it long at a time, though some people seem to enjoy it
+immensely.'
+
+'Then why not leave it, and do what suits you better? I always thought
+it a foolish thing, you know,' said Nan, with a trace of anxiety in the
+keen eyes that searched for signs of illness in a face as ruddy as a
+Baldwin apple.
+
+'You know why I chose it, and why I shall stick to it if it kills me.
+I may not look delicate, but I've a deep-seated heart complaint, and it
+will carry me off sooner or later; for only one doctor in the world can
+cure it, and she won't.'
+
+There was an air of pensive resignation about Tom that was both comic
+and pathetic; for he was in earnest, and kept on giving hints of this
+sort, without the least encouragement.
+
+Nan frowned; but she was used to it, and knew how to treat him.
+
+'She is curing it in the best and only way; but a more refractory
+patient never lived. Did you go to that ball, as I directed?'
+
+'I did.'
+
+'And devote yourself to pretty Miss West?'
+
+'Danced with her the whole evening.'
+
+'No impression made on that susceptible organ of yours?'
+
+'Not the slightest. I gaped in her face once, forgot to feed her, and
+gave a sigh of relief when I handed her over to her mamma.'
+
+'Repeat the dose as often as possible, and note the symptoms. I predict
+that you'll “cry for it” by and by.'
+
+'Never! I'm sure it doesn't suit my constitution.'
+
+'We shall see. Obey orders!' sternly.
+
+'Yes, Doctor,' meekly.
+
+Silence reigned for a moment; then, as if the bone of contention was
+forgotten in the pleasant recollections called up by familiar objects,
+Nan said suddenly:
+
+'What fun we used to have in that wood! Do you remember how you tumbled
+out of the big nut-tree and nearly broke your collar-bones?'
+
+'Don't I! and how you steeped me in wormwood till I was a fine mahogany
+colour, and Aunt Jo wailed over my spoilt jacket,' laughed Tom, a boy
+again in a minute.
+
+'And how you set the house afire?'
+
+'And you ran off for your band-box?'
+
+'Do you ever say “Thunder-turtles” now?'
+
+'Do people ever call you “Giddy-gaddy”?'
+
+'Daisy does. Dear thing, I haven't seen her for a week.'
+
+'I saw Demi this morning, and he said she was keeping house for Mother
+Bhaer.'
+
+'She always does when Aunt Jo gets into a vortex. Daisy is a model
+housekeeper; and you couldn't do better than make your bow to her, if
+you can't go to work and wait till you are grown up before you begin
+lovering.'
+
+'Nat would break his fiddle over my head if I suggested such a thing.
+No, thank you. Another name is engraved upon my heart as indelibly
+as the blue anchor on my arm. “Hope” is my motto, and “No surrender”,
+yours; see who will hold out longest.'
+
+'You silly boys think we must pair off as we did when children; but we
+shall do nothing of the kind. How well Parnassus looks from here!' said
+Nan, abruptly changing the conversation again.
+
+'It is a fine house; but I love old Plum best. Wouldn't Aunt March stare
+if she could see the changes here?' answered Tom, as they both paused at
+the great gate to look at the pleasant landscape before them.
+
+A sudden whoop startled them, as a long boy with a wild yellow head came
+leaping over a hedge like a kangaroo, followed by a slender girl, who
+stuck in the hawthorn, and sat there laughing like a witch. A pretty
+little lass she was, with curly dark hair, bright eyes, and a very
+expressive face. Her hat was at her back, and her skirts a good deal the
+worse for the brooks she had crossed, the trees she had climbed, and the
+last leap, which added several fine rents.
+
+'Take me down, Nan, please. Tom, hold Ted; he's got my book, and I
+will have it,' called Josie from her perch, not at all daunted by the
+appearance of her friends.
+
+Tom promptly collared the thief, while Nan picked Josie from among the
+thorns and set her on her feet without a word of reproof; for having
+been a romp in her own girlhood, she was very indulgent to like tastes
+in others. 'What's the matter, dear?' she asked, pinning up the longest
+rip, while Josie examined the scratches on her hands. 'I was studying my
+part in the willow, and Ted came slyly up and poked the book out of my
+hands with his rod. It fell in the brook, and before I could scrabble
+down he was off. You wretch, give it back this moment or I'll box your
+ears,' cried Josie, laughing and scolding in the same breath.
+
+Escaping from Tom, Ted struck a sentimental attitude, and with tender
+glances at the wet, torn young person before him, delivered Claude
+Melnotte's famous speech in a lackadaisical way that was irresistibly
+funny, ending with 'Dost like the picture, love?' as he made an object
+of himself by tying his long legs in a knot and distorting his face
+horribly.
+
+The sound of applause from the piazza put a stop to these antics, and
+the young folks went up the avenue together very much in the old style
+when Tom drove four in hand and Nan was the best horse in the team.
+Rosy, breathless, and merry, they greeted the ladies and sat down on
+the steps to rest, Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter's rags while Mrs
+Jo smoothed the Lion's mane, and rescued the book. Daisy appeared in a
+moment to greet her friend, and all began to talk.
+
+'Muffins for tea; better stay and eat 'em; Daisy's never fail,' said Ted
+hospitably.
+
+'He's a judge; he ate nine last time. That's why he's so fat,' added
+Josie, with a withering glance at her cousin, who was as thin as a lath.
+
+'I must go and see Lucy Dove. She has a whitlow, and it's time to lance
+it. I'll tea at college,' answered Nan, feeling in her pocket to be sure
+she had not forgotten her case of instruments.
+
+'Thanks, I'm going there also. Tom Merryweather has granulated lids,
+and I promised to touch them up for him. Save a doctor's fee and be good
+practice for me. I'm clumsy with my thumbs,' said Tom, bound to be near
+his idol while he could.
+
+'Hush! Daisy doesn't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work.
+Muffins suit us better'; and Ted grinned sweetly, with a view to future
+favours in the eating line.
+
+'Any news of the Commodore?' asked Tom.
+
+'He is on his way home, and Dan hopes to come soon. I long to see my
+boys together, and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving, if
+not before,' answered Mrs Jo, beaming at the thought.
+
+'They'll come, every man of them, if they can. Even Jack will risk
+losing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners,' laughed
+Tom.
+
+'There's the turkey fattening for the feast. I never chase him now, but
+feed him well; and he's “swellin' wisibly”, bless his drumsticks!' said
+Ted, pointing out the doomed fowl proudly parading in a neighbouring
+field.
+
+'If Nat goes the last of the month we shall want a farewell frolic for
+him. I suppose the dear old Chirper will come home a second Ole Bull,'
+said Nan to her friend.
+
+A pretty colour came into Daisy's cheek, and the folds of muslin on her
+breast rose and fell with a quick breath; but she answered placidly:
+'Uncle Laurie says he has real talent, and after the training he will
+get abroad he can command a good living here, though he may never be
+famous.'
+
+'Young people seldom turn out as one predicts, so it is of little use
+to expect anything,' said Mrs Meg with a sigh. 'If our children are good
+and useful men and women, we should be satisfied; yet it's very natural
+to wish them to be brilliant and successful.'
+
+'They are like my chickens, mighty uncertain. Now, that fine-looking
+cockerel of mine is the stupidest one of the lot, and the ugly,
+long-legged chap is the king of the yard, he's so smart; crows loud
+enough to wake the Seven Sleepers; but the handsome one croaks, and is
+no end of a coward. I get snubbed; but you wait till I grow up, and
+then see'; and Ted looked so like his own long-legged pet that everyone
+laughed at his modest prediction.
+
+'I want to see Dan settled somewhere. “A rolling stone gathers no moss”,
+and at twenty-five he is still roaming about the world without a tie to
+hold him, except this'; and Mrs Meg nodded towards her sister.
+
+'Dan will find his place at last, and experience is his best teacher.
+He is rough still, but each time he comes home I see a change for the
+better, and never lose my faith in him. He may never do anything great,
+or get rich; but if the wild boy makes an honest man, I'm satisfied,'
+said Mrs Jo, who always defended the black sheep of her flock.
+
+'That's right, mother, stand by Dan! He's worth a dozen Jacks and Neds
+bragging about money and trying to be swells. You see if he doesn't do
+something to be proud of and take the wind out of their sails,'
+added Ted, whose love for his 'Danny' was now strengthened by a boy's
+admiration for the bold, adventurous man.
+
+'Hope so, I'm sure. He's just the fellow to do rash things and come
+to glory--climbing the Matterhorn, taking a “header” into Niagara, or
+finding a big nugget. That's his way of sowing wild oats, and perhaps
+it's better than ours,' said Tom thoughtfully; for he had gained a good
+deal of experience in that sort of agriculture since he became a medical
+student.
+
+'Much better!' said Mrs Jo emphatically. 'I'd rather send my boys off
+to see the world in that way than leave them alone in a city full of
+temptations, with nothing to do but waste time, money, and health, as
+so many are left. Dan has to work his way, and that teaches him courage,
+patience, and self-reliance. I don't worry about him as much as I do
+about George and Dolly at college, no more fit than two babies to take
+care of themselves.'
+
+'How about John? He's knocking round town as a newspaper man, reporting
+all sorts of things, from sermons to prize-fights,' asked Tom, who
+thought that sort of life would be much more to his own taste than
+medical lectures and hospital wards.
+
+'Demi has three safeguards--good principles, refined tastes, and a wise
+mother. He won't come to harm, and these experiences will be useful to
+him when he begins to write, as I'm sure he will in time,' began Mrs
+Jo in her prophetic tone; for she was anxious to have some of her geese
+turn out swans.
+
+'Speak of Jenkins, and you'll hear the rustling of his paper,' cried
+Tom, as a fresh-faced, brown-eyed young man came up the avenue, waving a
+newspaper over his head.
+
+'Here's your Evening Tattler! Latest Edition! Awful murder! Bank clerk
+absconded! Powder-mill explosion, and great strike of the Latin School
+boys!' roared Ted, going to meet his cousin with the graceful gait of a
+young giraffe.
+
+'The Commodore is in, and will cut his cable and run before the wind
+as soon as he can get off,' called Demi, with 'a nice derangement of
+nautical epitaphs', as he came up smiling over his good news.
+
+Everyone talked together for a moment, and the paper passed from hand to
+hand that each eye might rest on the pleasant fact that the Brenda, from
+Hamburg, was safe in port.
+
+'He'll come lurching out by tomorrow with his usual collection of marine
+monsters and lively yarns. I saw him, jolly and tarry and brown as a
+coffee-berry. Had a good run, and hopes to be second mate, as the other
+chap is laid up with a broken leg,' added Demi.
+
+'Wish I had the setting of it,' said Nan to herself, with a professional
+twist of her hand.
+
+'How's Franz?' asked Mrs Jo.
+
+'He's going to be married! There's news for you. The first of the
+flock, Aunty, so say good-bye to him. Her name is Ludmilla Heldegard
+Blumenthal; good family, well-off, pretty, and of course an angel. The
+dear old boy wants Uncle's consent, and then he will settle down to be a
+happy and an honest burgher. Long life to him!'
+
+'I'm glad to hear it. I do so like to settle my boys with a good wife
+and a nice little home. Now, if all is right, I shall feel as if Franz
+was off my mind,' said Mrs Jo, folding her hands contentedly; for she
+often felt like a distracted hen with a large brood of mixed chickens
+and ducks upon her hands.
+
+'So do I,' sighed Tom, with a sly glance at Nan. 'That's what a fellow
+needs to keep him steady; and it's the duty of nice girls to marry as
+soon as possible, isn't it, Demi?'
+
+'If there are enough nice fellows to go round. The female population
+exceeds the male, you know, especially in New England; which accounts
+for the high state of culture we are in, perhaps,' answered John, who
+was leaning over his mother's chair, telling his day's experiences in a
+whisper.
+
+'It is a merciful provision, my dears; for it takes three or four women
+to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You are costly
+creatures, boys; and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives, and
+daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perish off the
+face of the earth,' said Mrs Jo solemnly, as she took up a basket filled
+with dilapidated hose; for the good Professor was still hard on his
+socks, and his sons resembled him in that respect.
+
+'Such being the case, there is plenty for the “superfluous women” to do,
+in taking care of these helpless men and their families. I see that more
+clearly every day, and am very glad and grateful that my profession will
+make me a useful, happy, and independent spinster.'
+
+Nan's emphasis on the last word caused Tom to groan, and the rest to
+laugh.
+
+'I take great pride and solid satisfaction in you, Nan, and hope to
+see you very successful; for we do need just such helpful women in the
+world. I sometimes feel as if I've missed my vocation and ought to
+have remained single; but my duty seemed to point this way, and I don't
+regret it,' said Mrs Jo, folding a large and very ragged blue sock to
+her bosom.
+
+'Neither do I. What should I ever have done without my dearest Mum?'
+added Ted, with a filial hug which caused both to disappear behind the
+newspaper in which he had been mercifully absorbed for a few minutes.
+
+'My darling boy, if you would wash your hands semi-occasionally, fond
+caresses would be less disastrous to my collar. Never mind, my precious
+touslehead, better grass stains and dirt than no cuddlings at all'; and
+Mrs Jo emerged from that brief eclipse looking much refreshed, though
+her back hair was caught in Ted's buttons and her collar under one ear.
+
+Here Josie, who had been studying her part at the other end of the
+piazza, suddenly burst forth with a smothered shriek, and gave Juliet's
+speech in the tomb so effectively that the boys applauded, Daisy
+shivered, and Nan murmured: 'Too much cerebral excitement for one of her
+age.'
+
+'I'm afraid you'll have to make up your mind to it, Meg. That child is
+a born actress. We never did anything so well, not even the Witch's
+Curse,' said Mrs Jo, casting a bouquet of many-coloured socks at the
+feet of her flushed and panting niece, when she fell gracefully upon the
+door-mat.
+
+'It is a sort of judgement upon me for my passion for the stage when a
+girl. Now I know how dear Marmee felt when I begged to be an actress. I
+never can consent, and yet I may be obliged to give up my wishes, hopes,
+and plans again.'
+
+There was an accent of reproach in his mother's voice, which made Demi
+pick up his sister with a gentle shake, and the stern command to 'drop
+that nonsense in public'.
+
+'Drop me, Minion, or I'll give you the Maniac Bride, with my best
+Ha-ha!' cried Josie, glaring at him like an offended kitten. Being set
+on her feet, she made a splendid courtesy, and dramatically proclaiming,
+'Mrs Woffington's carriage waits,' swept down the steps and round the
+corner, trailing Daisy's scarlet shawl majestically behind her.
+
+'Isn't she great fun? I couldn't stop in this dull place if I hadn't
+that child to make it lively for me. If ever she turns prim, I'm off; so
+mind how you nip her in the bud,' said Teddy, frowning at Demi, who was
+now writing out shorthand notes on the steps.
+
+'You two are a team, and it takes a strong hand to drive you, but I
+rather like it. Josie ought to have been my child, and Rob yours, Meg.
+Then your house would have been all peace and mine all Bedlam. Now I
+must go and tell Laurie the news. Come with me, Meg, a little stroll
+will do us good'; and sticking Ted's straw hat on her head, Mrs Jo
+walked off with her sister, leaving Daisy to attend to the muffins, Ted
+to appease Josie, and Tom and Nan to give their respective patients a
+very bad quarter of an hour.
+
+
+
+Chapter 2. PARNASSUS
+
+It was well named; and the Muses seemed to be at home that day, for as
+the newcomers went up the slope appropriate sights and sounds greeted
+them. Passing an open window, they looked in upon a library presided
+over by Clio, Calliope, and Urania; Melpomene and Thalia were disporting
+themselves in the hall, where some young people were dancing and
+rehearsing a play; Erato was walking in the garden with her lover, and
+in the music-room Phoebus himself was drilling a tuneful choir.
+
+A mature Apollo was our old friend Laurie, but comely and genial as
+ever; for time had ripened the freakish boy into a noble man. Care and
+sorrow, as well as ease and happiness, had done much for him; and the
+responsibility of carrying out his grandfather's wishes had been a
+duty most faithfully performed. Prosperity suits some people, and they
+blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the
+sweeter for a touch of frost. Laurie was one of the former sort, and
+Amy was another; so life had been a kind of poem to them since they
+married--not only harmonious and happy, but earnest, useful, and rich in
+the beautiful benevolence which can do so much when wealth and wisdom go
+hand in hand with charity. Their house was full of unostentatious beauty
+and comfort, and here the art-loving host and hostess attracted and
+entertained artists of all kinds. Laurie had music enough now, and was a
+generous patron to the class he most liked to help. Amy had her proteges
+among ambitious young painters and sculptors, and found her own art
+double dear as her daughter grew old enough to share its labours and
+delights with her; for she was one of those who prove that women can be
+faithful wives and mothers without sacrificing the special gift bestowed
+upon them for their own development and the good of others.
+
+Her sisters knew where to find her, and Jo went at once to the studio,
+where mother and daughter worked together. Bess was busy with the bust
+of a little child, while her mother added the last touches to a fine
+head of her husband. Time seemed to have stood still with Amy, for
+happiness had kept her young and prosperity given her the culture she
+needed. A stately, graceful woman, who showed how elegant simplicity
+could be made by the taste with which she chose her dress and the grace
+with which she wore it. As someone said: 'I never know what Mrs Laurence
+has on, but I always receive the impression that she is the best-dressed
+lady in the room.'
+
+It was evident that she adored her daughter, and well she might; for
+the beauty she had longed for seemed, to her fond eyes at least, to
+be impersonated in this younger self. Bess inherited her mother's
+Diana-like figure, blue eyes, fair skin, and golden hair, tied up in
+the same classic knot of curls. Also--ah! never-ending source of joy to
+Amy--she had her father's handsome nose and mouth, cast in a feminine
+mould. The severe simplicity of a long linen pinafore suited her;
+and she worked away with the entire absorption of the true artist,
+unconscious of the loving eyes upon her, till Aunt Jo came in exclaiming
+eagerly:
+
+'My dear girls, stop your mud-pies and hear the news!'
+
+Both artists dropped their tools and greeted the irrepressible woman
+cordially, though genius had been burning splendidly and her coming
+spoilt a precious hour. They were in the full tide of gossip when
+Laurie, who had been summoned by Meg, arrived, and sitting down between
+the sisters, with no barricade anywhere, listened with interest to the
+news of Franz and Emil.
+
+'The epidemic has broke out, and now it will rage and ravage your flock.
+Be prepared for every sort of romance and rashness for the next ten
+years, Jo. Your boys are growing up and will plunge headlong into a sea
+of worse scrapes than any you have had yet,' said Laurie, enjoying her
+look of mingled delight and despair.
+
+'I know it, and I hope I shall be able to pull them through and land
+them safely; but it's an awful responsibility, for they will come to me
+and insist that I can make their poor little loves run smoothly. I
+like it, though, and Meg is such a mush of sentiment she revels in the
+prospect,' answered Jo, feeling pretty easy about her own boys, whose
+youth made them safe for the present.
+
+'I'm afraid she won't revel when our Nat begins to buzz too near her
+Daisy. Of course you see what all that means? As musical director I am
+also his confidante, and would like to know what advice to give,' said
+Laurie soberly. 'Hush! you forget that child,' began Jo, nodding towards
+Bess, who was at work again.
+
+'Bless you! she's in Athens, and doesn't hear a word. She ought to leave
+off, though, and go out. My darling, put the baby to sleep, and go for
+a run. Aunt Meg is in the parlour; go and show her the new pictures till
+we come,' added Laurie, looking at his tall girl as Pygmalion might have
+looked at Galatea; for he considered her the finest statue in the house.
+
+'Yes, papa; but please tell me if it is good'; and Bess obediently put
+down her tools, with a lingering glance at the bust.
+
+'My cherished daughter, truth compels me to confess that one cheek is
+plumper than the other; and the curls upon its infant brow are rather
+too much like horns for perfect grace; otherwise it rivals Raphael's
+Chanting Cherubs, and I'm proud of it.'
+
+Laurie was laughing as he spoke; for these first attempts were so like
+Amy's early ones, it was impossible to regard them as soberly as the
+enthusiastic mamma did.
+
+'You can't see beauty in anything but music,' answered Bess, shaking the
+golden head that made the one bright spot in the cool north lights of
+the great studio.
+
+'Well, I see beauty in you, dear. And if you are not art, what is? I
+wish to put a little more nature into you, and get you away from this
+cold clay and marble into the sunshine, to dance and laugh as the
+others do. I want a flesh-and-blood girl, not a sweet statue in a grey
+pinafore, who forgets everything but her work.' As he spoke, two dusty
+hands came round his neck, and Bess said earnestly, punctuating her
+words with soft touches of her lips:
+
+'I never forget you, papa; but I do want to do something beautiful that
+you may be proud of me by and by. Mamma often tells me to stop; but when
+we get in here we forget there is any world outside, we are so busy and
+so happy. Now I'll go and run and sing, and be a girl to please you.'
+And throwing away the apron, Bess vanished from the room, seeming to
+take all the light with her.
+
+'I'm glad you said that. The dear child is too much absorbed in her
+artistic dreams for one so young. It is my fault; but I sympathize so
+deeply in it all, I forget to be wise,' sighed Amy, carefully covering
+the baby with a wet towel.
+
+'I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest
+things in the world; but I try to remember what Marmee once said to
+Meg--that fathers should have their share in the education of both girls
+and boys; so I leave Ted to his father all I can, and Fritz lends me
+Rob, whose quiet ways are as restful and good for me as Ted's tempests
+are for his father. Now I advise you, Amy, to let Bess drop the mud-pies
+for a time, and take up music with Laurie; then she won't be one-sided,
+and he won't be jealous.'
+
+'Hear, hear! A Daniel--a very Daniel!' cried Laurie, well pleased. 'I
+thought you'd lend a hand, Jo, and say a word for me. I am a little
+jealous of Amy, and want more of a share in my girl. Come, my lady, let
+me have her this summer, and next year, when we go to Rome, I'll give
+her up to you and high art. Isn't that a fair bargain?'
+
+'I agree; but in trying your hobby, nature, with music thrown in, don't
+forget that, though only fifteen, our Bess is older than most girls of
+that age, and cannot be treated like a child. She is so very precious
+to me, I feel as if I wanted to keep her always as pure and beautiful as
+the marble she loves so well.'
+
+Amy spoke regretfully as she looked about the lovely room where she had
+spent so many happy hours with this dear child of hers.
+
+'“Turn and turn about is fair play”, as we used to say when we all
+wanted to ride on Ellen Tree or wear the russet boots,' said Jo briskly;
+'so you must share your girl between you, and see who will do the most
+for her.'
+
+'We will,' answered the fond parents, laughing at the recollections Jo's
+proverb brought up to them.
+
+'How I did use to enjoy bouncing on the limbs of that old apple-tree!
+No real horse ever gave me half the pleasure or the exercise,' said Amy,
+looking out of the high window as if she saw the dear old orchard again
+and the little girls at play there.
+
+'And what fun I had with those blessed boots!' laughed Jo. 'I've got the
+relics now. The boys reduced them to rags; but I love them still, and
+would enjoy a good theatrical stalk in them if it were possible.'
+
+'My fondest memories twine about the warming-pan and the sausage. What
+larks we had! And how long ago it seems!' said Laurie, staring at the
+two women before him as if he found it hard to realize that they ever
+had been little Amy and riotous Jo.
+
+'Don't suggest that we are growing old, my Lord. We have only bloomed;
+and a very nice bouquet we make with our buds about us,' answered Mrs
+Amy, shaking out the folds of her rosy muslin with much the air of
+dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress.
+
+'Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves,' added Jo, with a sigh; for
+life had never been very easy to her, and even now she had her troubles
+both within and without.
+
+'Come and have a dish of tea, old dear, and see what the young folks are
+about. You are tired, and want to be “stayed with flagons and comforted
+with apples”,' said Laurie, offering an arm to each sister, and leading
+them away to afternoon tea, which flowed as freely on Parnassus as the
+nectar of old.
+
+They found Meg in the summer-parlour, an airy and delightful room, full
+now of afternoon sunshine and the rustle of trees; for the three long
+windows opened on the garden. The great music-room was at one end,
+and at the other, in a deep alcove hung with purple curtains, a little
+household shrine had been made. Three portraits hung there, two marble
+busts stood in the corners, and a couch, an oval table, with its urn
+of flowers, were the only articles of furniture the nook contained. The
+busts were John Brooke and Beth--Amy's work--both excellent likenesses,
+and both full of the placid beauty which always recalls the saying,
+that 'Clay represents life; plaster, death; marble, immortality'. On
+the right, as became the founder of the house, hung the portrait of Mr
+Laurence, with its expression of mingled pride and benevolence, as fresh
+and attractive as when he caught the girl Jo admiring it. Opposite was
+Aunt March--a legacy to Amy--in an imposing turban, immense sleeves, and
+long mittens decorously crossed on the front of her plum-coloured satin
+gown. Time had mellowed the severity of her aspect; and the fixed regard
+of the handsome old gentleman opposite seemed to account for the amiable
+simper on lips that had not uttered a sharp word for years.
+
+In the place of honour, with the sunshine warm upon it, and a green
+garland always round it, was Marmee's beloved face, painted with
+grateful skill by a great artist whom she had befriended when poor and
+unknown. So beautifully lifelike was it that it seemed to smile down
+upon her daughters, saying cheerfully:
+
+'Be happy; I am with you still.'
+
+The three sisters stood a moment looking up at the beloved picture with
+eyes full of tender reverence and the longing that never left them; for
+this noble mother had been so much to them that no one could ever fill
+her place. Only two years since she had gone away to live and love anew,
+leaving such a sweet memory behind her that it was both an inspiration
+and a comforter to all the household. They felt this as they drew closer
+to one another, and Laurie put it into words as he said earnestly:
+
+'I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a woman like
+our mother. Please God, she shall be, if I can do it; for I owe the best
+I have to this dear saint.'
+
+Just then a fresh voice began to sing 'Ave Maria' in the music-room, and
+Bess unconsciously echoed her father's prayer for her as she dutifully
+obeyed his wishes. The soft sound of the air Marmee used to sing led the
+listeners back into the world again from that momentary reaching after
+the loved and lost, and they sat down together near the open windows
+enjoying the music, while Laurie brought them tea, making the little
+service pleasant by the tender care he gave to it.
+
+Nat came in with Demi, soon followed by Ted and Josie, the Professor and
+his faithful Rob, all anxious to hear more about 'the boys'. The rattle
+of cups and tongues grew brisk, and the setting sun saw a cheerful
+company resting in the bright room after the varied labours of the day.
+
+Professor Bhaer was grey now, but robust and genial as ever; for he had
+the work he loved, and did it so heartily that the whole college felt
+his beautiful influence. Rob was as much like him as it was possible for
+a boy to be, and was already called the 'young Professor', he so adored
+study and closely imitated his honoured father in all ways.
+
+'Well, heart's dearest, we go to have our boys again, all two, and
+may rejoice greatly,' said Mr Bhaer, seating himself beside Jo with a
+beaming face and a handshake of congratulation.
+
+'Oh, Fritz, I'm so delighted about Emil, and if you approve about Franz
+also. Did you know Ludmilla? Is it a wise match?' asked Mrs Jo, handing
+him her cup of tea and drawing closer, as if she welcomed her refuge in
+joy as well as sorrow.
+
+'It all goes well. I saw the Madchen when I went over to place Franz.
+A child then, but most sweet and charming. Blumenthal is satisfied, I
+think, and the boy will be happy. He is too German to be content away
+from Vaterland, so we shall have him as a link between the new and the
+old, and that pleases me much.'
+
+'And Emil, he is to be second mate next voyage; isn't that fine? I'm so
+happy that both your boys have done well; you gave up so much for them
+and their mother. You make light of it, dear, but I never forget it,'
+said Jo, with her hand in his as sentimentally as if she was a girl
+again and her Fritz had come a-wooing.
+
+He laughed his cheery laugh, and whispered behind her fan: 'If I had not
+come to America for the poor lads, I never should have found my Jo.
+The hard times are very sweet now, and I bless Gott for all I seemed to
+lose, because I gained the blessing of my life.'
+
+'Spooning! spooning! Here's an awful flirtation on the sly,' cried
+Teddy, peering over the fan just at that interesting moment, much to his
+mother's confusion and his father's amusement; for the Professor never
+was ashamed of the fact that he still considered his wife the dearest
+woman in the world. Rob promptly ejected his brother from one window,
+to see him skip in at the other, while Mrs Jo shut her fan and held it
+ready to rap her unruly boy's knuckles if he came near her again.
+
+Nat approached in answer to Mr Bhaer's beckoning teaspoon, and stood
+before them with a face full of the respectful affection he felt for the
+excellent man who had done so much for him.
+
+'I have the letters ready for thee, my son. They are two old friends of
+mine in Leipzig, who will befriend thee in that new life. It is well to
+have them, for thou wilt be heartbroken with Heimweh at the first, Nat,
+and need comforting,' said the Professor, giving him several letters.
+
+'Thanks, sir. Yes, I expect to be pretty lonely till I get started, then
+my music and the hope of getting on will cheer me up,' answered Nat, who
+both longed and dreaded to leave all these friends behind him and make
+new ones.
+
+He was a man now; but the blue eyes were as honest as ever, the mouth
+still a little weak, in spite of the carefully cherished moustache
+over it, and the broad forehead more plainly than ever betrayed the
+music-loving nature of the youth. Modest, affectionate, and dutiful, Nat
+was considered a pleasant though not a brilliant success by Mrs Jo. She
+loved and trusted him, and was sure he would do his best, but did not
+expect that he would be great in any way, unless the stimulus of foreign
+training and self-dependence made him a better artist and a stronger man
+than now seemed likely.
+
+'I've marked all your things--or rather, Daisy did--and as soon as your
+books are collected, we can see about the packing,' said Mrs Jo, who was
+so used to fitting boys off for all quarters of the globe that a trip to
+the North Pole would not have been too much for her.
+
+Nat grew red at mention of that name--or was it the last glow of sunset
+on his rather pale cheek?--and his heart beat happily at the thought of
+the dear girl working Ns and Bs on his humble socks and handkerchiefs;
+for Nat adored Daisy, and the cherished dream of his life was to earn
+a place for himself as a musician and win this angel for his wife. This
+hope did more for him than the Professor's counsels, Mrs Jo's care, or
+Mr Laurie's generous help. For her sake he worked, waited, and hoped,
+finding courage and patience in the dream of that happy future when
+Daisy should make a little home for him and he fiddle a fortune into her
+lap. Mrs Jo knew this; and though he was not exactly the man she would
+have chosen for her niece, she felt that Nat would always need just the
+wise and loving care Daisy could give him, and that without it there was
+danger of his being one of the amiable and aimless men who fail for
+want of the right pilot to steer them safely through the world. Mrs Meg
+decidedly frowned upon the poor boy's love, and would not hear of giving
+her dear girl to any but the best man to be found on the face of the
+earth. She was very kind, but as firm as such gentle souls can be; and
+Nat fled for comfort to Mrs Jo, who always espoused the interests of
+her boys heartily. A new set of anxieties was beginning now that the
+aforesaid boys were growing up, and she foresaw no end of worry as well
+as amusement in the love-affairs already budding in her flock. Mrs Meg
+was usually her best ally and adviser, for she loved romances as well
+now as when a blooming girl herself. But in this case she hardened her
+heart, and would not hear a word of entreaty. 'Nat was not man enough,
+never would be, no one knew his family, a musician's life was a hard
+one; Daisy was too young, five or six years hence when time had proved
+both perhaps. Let us see what absence will do for him.' And that was the
+end of it, for when the maternal Pelican was roused she could be very
+firm, though for her precious children she would have plucked her last
+feather and given the last drop of her blood.
+
+Mrs Jo was thinking of this as she looked at Nat while he talked
+with her husband about Leipzig, and she resolved to have a clear
+understanding with him before he went; for she was used to confidences,
+and talked freely with her boys about the trials and temptations that
+beset all lives in the beginning, and so often mar them, for want of the
+right word at the right moment.
+
+This is the first duty of parents, and no false delicacy should
+keep them from the watchful care, the gentle warning, which makes
+self-knowledge and self-control the compass and pilot of the young as
+they leave the safe harbour of home.
+
+'Plato and his disciples approach,' announced irreverent Teddy, as Mr
+March came in with several young men and women about him; for the wise
+old man was universally beloved, and ministered so beautifully to his
+flock that many of them thanked him all their lives for the help given
+to both hearts and souls.
+
+Bess went to him at once; for since Marmee died, Grandpapa was her
+special care, and it was sweet to see the golden head bend over the
+silver one as she rolled out his easy-chair and waited on him with
+tender alacrity.
+
+'Aesthetic tea always on tap here, sir; will you have a flowing bowl
+or a bit of ambrosia?' asked Laurie, who was wandering about with a
+sugar-basin in one hand and a plate of cake in the other; for sweetening
+cups and feeding the hungry was work he loved.
+
+'Neither, thanks; this child has taken care of me'; and Mr March turned
+to Bess, who sat on one arm of his chair, holding a glass of fresh milk.
+
+'Long may she live to do it, sir, and I be here to see this pretty
+contradiction of the song that “youth and age cannot live together”!'
+answered Laurie, smiling at the pair. '“Crabbed age”, papa; that makes
+all the difference in the world,' said Bess quickly; for she loved
+poetry, and read the best.
+
+    'Wouldst thou see fresh roses grow
+     In a reverend bed of snow?'
+
+quoted Mr March, as Josie came and perched on the other arm, looking
+like a very thorny little rose; for she had been having a hot discussion
+with Ted, and had got the worst of it.
+
+'Grandpa, must women always obey men and say they are the wisest, just
+because they are the strongest?' she cried, looking fiercely at her
+cousin, who came stalking up with a provoking smile on the boyish face
+that was always very comical atop of that tall figure.
+
+'Well, my dear, that is the old-fashioned belief, and it will take some
+time to change it. But I think the woman's hour has struck; and it looks
+to me as if the boys must do their best, for the girls are abreast
+now, and may reach the goal first,' answered Mr March, surveying with
+paternal satisfaction the bright faces of the young women, who were
+among the best students in the college.
+
+'The poor little Atalantas are sadly distracted and delayed by the
+obstacles thrown in their way--not golden apples, by any means--but
+I think they will stand a fair chance when they have learned to run
+better,' laughed Uncle Laurie, stroking Josie's breezy hair, which stood
+up like the fur of an angry kitten.
+
+'Whole barrels of apples won't stop me when I start, and a dozen Teds
+won't trip me up, though they may try. I'll show him that a woman can
+act as well, if not better, than a man. It has been done, and will be
+again; and I'll never own that my brain isn't as good as his, though it
+may be smaller,' cried the excited young person.
+
+'If you shake your head in that violent way you'll addle what brains you
+have got; and I'd take care of 'em, if I were you,' began teasing Ted.
+
+'What started this civil war?' asked Grandpapa, with a gentle emphasis
+on the adjective, which caused the combatants to calm their ardour a
+little.
+
+'Why, we were pegging away at the Iliad and came to where Zeus tells
+Juno not to inquire into his plans or he'll whip her, and Jo was
+disgusted because Juno meekly hushed up. I said it was all right, and
+agreed with the old fellow that women didn't know much and ought to obey
+men,' explained Ted, to the great amusement of his hearers.
+
+'Goddesses may do as they like, but those Greek and Trojan women were
+poor-spirited things if they minded men who couldn't fight their own
+battles and had to be hustled off by Pallas, and Venus, and Juno, when
+they were going to get beaten. The idea of two armies stopping and
+sitting down while a pair of heroes flung stones at one another! I don't
+think much of your old Homer. Give me Napoleon or Grant for my hero.'
+
+Josie's scorn was as funny as if a humming-bird scolded at an ostrich,
+and everyone laughed as she sniffed at the immortal poet and criticized
+the gods.
+
+'Napoleon's Juno had a nice time; didn't she? That's just the way girls
+argue--first one way and then the other,' jeered Ted.
+
+'Like Johnson's young lady, who was “not categorical, but all
+wiggle-waggle”,' added Uncle Laurie, enjoying the battle immensely.
+
+'I was only speaking of them as soldiers. But if you come to the woman
+side of it, wasn't Grant a kind husband and Mrs Grant a happy woman?
+He didn't threaten to whip her if she asked a natural question; and if
+Napoleon did do wrong about Josephine, he could fight, and didn't want
+any Minerva to come fussing over him. They were a stupid set, from
+dandified Paris to Achilles sulking in his ships, and I won't change my
+opinion for all the Hectors and Agamemnons in Greece,' said Josie, still
+unconquered.
+
+'You can fight like a Trojan, that's evident; and we will be the two
+obedient armies looking on while you and Ted have it out,' began Uncle
+Laurie, assuming the attitude of a warrior leaning on his spear.
+
+'I fear we must give it up, for Pallas is about to descend and carry off
+our Hector,' said Mr March, smiling, as Jo came to remind her son that
+suppertime was near.
+
+'We will fight it out later when there are no goddesses to interfere,'
+said Teddy, as he turned away with unusual alacrity, remembering the
+treat in store.
+
+'Conquered by a muffin, by Jove!' called Josie after him, exulting in an
+opportunity to use the classical exclamation forbidden to her sex.
+
+But Ted shot a Parthian arrow as he retired in good order by replying,
+with a highly virtuous expression:
+
+'Obedience is a soldier's first duty.'
+
+Bent on her woman's privilege of having the last word, Josie ran after
+him, but never uttered the scathing speech upon her lips, for a very
+brown young man in a blue suit came leaping up the steps with a cheery
+'Ahoy! ahoy! where is everybody?'
+
+'Emil! Emil!' cried Josie, and in a moment Ted was upon him, and the
+late enemies ended their fray in a joyful welcome to the newcomer.
+
+Muffins were forgotten, and towing their cousin like two fussy little
+tugs with a fine merchantman, the children returned to the parlour,
+where Emil kissed all the women and shook hands with all the men except
+his uncle; him he embraced in the good old German style, to the great
+delight of the observers.
+
+'Didn't think I could get off today, but found I could, and steered
+straight for old Plum. Not a soul there, so I luffed and bore away for
+Parnassus, and here is every man Jack of you. Bless your hearts, how
+glad I am to see you all!' exclaimed the sailor boy, beaming at them, as
+he stood with his legs apart as if he still felt the rocking deck under
+his feet.
+
+'You ought to “shiver your timbers”, not “bless our hearts”, Emil; it's
+not nautical at all. Oh, how nice and shippy and tarry you do smell!'
+said Josie, sniffing at him with great enjoyment of the fresh sea odours
+he brought with him. This was her favourite cousin, and she was his
+pet; so she knew that the bulging pockets of the blue jacket contained
+treasures for her at least.
+
+'Avast, my hearty, and let me take soundings before you dive,' laughed
+Emil, understanding her affectionate caresses, and holding her off with
+one hand while with the other he rummaged out sundry foreign little
+boxes and parcels marked with different names, and handed them round
+with appropriate remarks, which caused much laughter; for Emil was a
+wag.
+
+'There's a hawser that will hold our little cock-boat still about five
+minutes,' he said, throwing a necklace of pretty pink coral over Josie's
+head; 'and here's something the mermaids sent to Undine,' he added,
+handing Bess a string of pearly shells on a silver chain.
+
+I thought Daisy would like a fiddle, and Nat can find her a beau,'
+continued the sailor, with a laugh, as he undid a dainty filigree brooch
+in the shape of a violin.
+
+'I know she will, and I'll take it to her,' answered Nat, as he
+vanished, glad of an errand, and sure that he could find Daisy though
+Emil had missed her.
+
+Emil chuckled, and handed out a quaintly carved bear whose head opened,
+showing a capacious ink-stand. This he presented, with a scrape, to Aunt
+Jo.
+
+'Knowing your fondness for these fine animals, I brought this one to
+your pen.'
+
+'Very good, Commodore! Try again,' said Mrs Jo, much pleased with her
+gift, which caused the Professor to prophesy 'works of Shakespeare' from
+its depths, so great would be the inspiration of the beloved bruin.
+
+'As Aunt Meg will wear caps, in spite of her youth, I got Ludmilla to
+get me some bits of lace. Hope you'll like 'em'; and out of a soft paper
+came some filmy things, one of which soon lay like a net of snowflakes
+on Mrs Meg's pretty hair.
+
+'I couldn't find anything swell enough for Aunt Amy, because she has
+everything she wants, so I brought a little picture that always makes
+me think of her when Bess was a baby'; and he handed her an oval ivory
+locket, on which was painted a goldenhaired Madonna, with a rosy child
+folded in her blue mantle.
+
+'How lovely!' cried everyone; and Aunt Amy at once hung it about her
+neck on the blue ribbon from Bess's hair, charmed with her gift; for it
+recalled the happiest year of her life.
+
+'Now, I flatter myself I've got just the thing for Nan, neat but not
+gaudy, a sort of sign you see, and very appropriate for a doctor,' said
+Emil, proudly displaying a pair of lava earrings shaped like little
+skulls.
+
+'Horrid!' And Bess, who hated ugly things, turned her eyes to her own
+pretty shells.
+
+'She won't wear earrings,' said Josie.
+
+'Well, she'll enjoy punching your ears then. She's never so happy as
+when she's overhauling her fellow creatures and going for 'em with a
+knife,' answered Emil, undisturbed. 'I've got a lot of plunder for you
+fellows in my chest, but I knew I should have no peace till my cargo for
+the girls was unloaded. Now tell me all the news.' And, seated on Amy's
+best marbletopped table, the sailor swung his legs and talked at the
+rate of ten knots an hour, till Aunt Jo carried them all off to a grand
+family tea in honour of the Commodore.
+
+
+
+Chapter 3. JO'S LAST SCRAPE
+
+The March family had enjoyed a great many surprises in the course of
+their varied career, but the greatest of all was when the Ugly Duckling
+turned out to be, not a swan, but a golden goose, whose literary eggs
+found such an unexpected market that in ten years Jo's wildest and most
+cherished dream actually came true. How or why it happened she never
+clearly understood, but all of a sudden she found herself famous in a
+small way, and, better still, with a snug little fortune in her pocket
+to clear away the obstacles of the present and assure the future of her
+boys.
+
+It began during a bad year when everything went wrong at Plumfield;
+times were hard, the school dwindled, Jo overworked herself and had a
+long illness; Laurie and Amy were abroad, and the Bhaers too proud to
+ask help even of those as near and dear as this generous pair. Confined
+to her room, Jo got desperate over the state of affairs, till she fell
+back upon the long-disused pen as the only thing she could do to help
+fill up the gaps in the income. A book for girls being wanted by a
+certain publisher, she hastily scribbled a little story describing a few
+scenes and adventures in the lives of herself and sisters, though boys
+were more in her line, and with very slight hopes of success sent it out
+to seek its fortune.
+
+Things always went by contraries with Jo. Her first book, laboured over
+for years, and launched full of the high hopes and ambitious dreams of
+youth, foundered on its voyage, though the wreck continued to float long
+afterward, to the profit of the publisher at least. The hastily written
+story, sent away with no thought beyond the few dollars it might bring,
+sailed with a fair wind and a wise pilot at the helm into public favour,
+and came home heavily laden with an unexpected cargo of gold and glory.
+
+A more astonished woman probably never existed than Josephine Bhaer when
+her little ship came into port with flags flying, cannon that had been
+silent before now booming gaily, and, better than all, many kind faces
+rejoicing with her, many friendly hands grasping hers with cordial
+congratulations. After that it was plain sailing, and she merely had
+to load her ships and send them off on prosperous trips, to bring home
+stores of comfort for all she loved and laboured for.
+
+The fame she never did quite accept; for it takes very little fire to
+make a great deal of smoke nowadays, and notoriety is not real glory.
+The fortune she could not doubt, and gratefully received; though it was
+not half so large a one as a generous world reported it to be. The tide
+having turned continued to rise, and floated the family comfortably into
+a snug harbour where the older members could rest secure from storms,
+and whence the younger ones could launch their boats for the voyage of
+life.
+
+All manner of happiness, peace, and plenty came in those years to bless
+the patient waiters, hopeful workers, and devout believers in the wisdom
+and justice of Him who sends disappointment, poverty, and sorrow to try
+the love of human hearts and make success the sweeter when it comes.
+The world saw the prosperity, and kind souls rejoiced over the improved
+fortunes of the family; but the success Jo valued most, the happiness
+that nothing could change or take away, few knew much about.
+
+It was the power of making her mother's last years happy and serene; to
+see the burden of care laid down for ever, the weary hands at rest, the
+dear face untroubled by any anxiety, and the tender heart free to pour
+itself out in the wise charity which was its delight. As a girl, Jo's
+favourite plan had been a room where Marmee could sit in peace and enjoy
+herself after her hard, heroic life. Now the dream had become a happy
+fact, and Marmee sat in her pleasant chamber with every comfort and
+luxury about her, loving daughters to wait on her as infirmities
+increased, a faithful mate to lean upon, and grand-children to brighten
+the twilight of life with their dutiful affection. A very precious time
+to all, for she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of
+their children. She had lived to reap the harvest she sowed; had seen
+prayers answered, hopes blossom, good gifts bear fruit, peace and
+prosperity bless the home she had made; and then, like some brave,
+patient angel, whose work was done, turned her face heavenward, glad to
+rest.
+
+This was the sweet and sacred side of the change; but it had its droll
+and thorny one, as all things have in this curious world of ours. After
+the first surprise, incredulity, and joy, which came to Jo, with the
+ingratitude of human nature, she soon tired of renown, and began to
+resent her loss of liberty. For suddenly the admiring public took
+possession of her and all her affairs, past, present, and to come.
+Strangers demanded to look at her, question, advise, warn, congratulate,
+and drive her out of her wits by well-meant but very wearisome
+attentions. If she declined to open her heart to them, they reproached
+her; if she refused to endow her pet charities, relieve private wants,
+or sympathize with every ill and trial known to humanity, she was called
+hard-hearted, selfish, and haughty; if she found it impossible to answer
+the piles of letters sent her, she was neglectful of her duty to
+the admiring public; and if she preferred the privacy of home to the
+pedestal upon which she was requested to pose, 'the airs of literary
+people' were freely criticized.
+
+She did her best for the children, they being the public for whom she
+wrote, and laboured stoutly to supply the demand always in the mouths of
+voracious youth--'More stories; more right away!' Her family objected to
+this devotion at their expense, and her health suffered; but for a time
+she gratefully offered herself up on the altar of juvenile literature,
+feeling that she owed a good deal to the little friends in whose sight
+she had found favour after twenty years of effort.
+
+But a time came when her patience gave out; and wearying of being a
+lion, she became a bear in nature as in name, and returning to her den,
+growled awfully when ordered out. Her family enjoyed the fun, and had
+small sympathy with her trials, but Jo came to consider it the worse
+scrape of her life; for liberty had always been her dearest possession,
+and it seemed to be fast going from her. Living in a lantern soon loses
+its charm, and she was too old, too tired, and too busy to like it. She
+felt that she had done all that could reasonably be required of her when
+autographs, photographs, and autobiographical sketches had been sown
+broadcast over the land; when artists had taken her home in all its
+aspects, and reporters had taken her in the grim one she always
+assumed on these trying occasions; when a series of enthusiastic
+boarding-schools had ravaged her grounds for trophies, and a steady
+stream of amiable pilgrims had worn her doorsteps with their respectful
+feet; when servants left after a week's trial of the bell that rang all
+day; when her husband was forced to guard her at meals, and the boys
+to cover her retreat out of back windows on certain occasions when
+enterprising guests walked in unannounced at unfortunate moments.
+
+A sketch of one day may perhaps explain the state of things, offer some
+excuse for the unhappy woman, and give a hint to the autograph-fiend now
+rampant in the land; for it is a true tale.
+
+'There ought to be a law to protect unfortunate authors,' said Mrs Jo
+one morning soon after Emil's arrival, when the mail brought her an
+unusually large and varied assortment of letters. 'To me it is a more
+vital subject than international copyright; for time is money, peace is
+health, and I lose both with no return but less respect for my fellow
+creatures and a wild desire to fly into the wilderness, since I cannot
+shut my doors even in free America.'
+
+'Lion-hunters are awful when in search of their prey. If they could
+change places for a while it would do them good; and they'd see what
+bores they were when they “do themselves the honour of calling to
+express their admiration of our charming work”,' quoted Ted, with a bow
+to his parent, now frowning over twelve requests for autographs.
+
+'I have made up my mind on one point,' said Mrs Jo with great firmness.
+'I will not answer this kind of letter. I've sent at least six to this
+boy, and he probably sells them. This girl writes from a seminary, and
+if I send her one all the other girls will at once write for more. All
+begin by saying they know they intrude, and that I am of course annoyed
+by these requests; but they venture to ask because I like boys, or they
+like the books, or it is only one. Emerson and Whittier put these things
+in the wastepaper-basket; and though only a literary nursery-maid
+who provides moral pap for the young, I will follow their illustrious
+example; for I shall have no time to eat or sleep if I try to satisfy
+these dear unreasonable children'; and Mrs Jo swept away the entire
+batch with a sigh of relief.
+
+'I'll open the others and let you eat your breakfast in peace, liebe
+Mutter,' said Rob, who often acted as her secretary. 'Here's one from
+the South'; and breaking an imposing seal, he read:
+
+'MADAM, As it has pleased Heaven to bless your efforts with a large
+fortune, I feel no hesitation in asking you to supply funds to purchase
+a new communion-service for our church. To whatever denomination you
+belong, you will of course respond with liberality to such a request,
+
+'Respectfully yours,
+
+'MRS X.Y. ZAVIER'
+
+
+'Send a civil refusal, dear. All I have to give must go to feed and
+clothe the poor at my gates. That is my thank-offering for success. Go
+on,' answered his mother, with a grateful glance about her happy home.
+
+'A literary youth of eighteen proposes that you put your name to a novel
+he has written; and after the first edition your name is to be taken off
+and his put on. There's a cool proposal for you. I guess you won't agree
+to that, in spite of your soft-heartedness towards most of the young
+scribblers.'
+
+'Couldn't be done. Tell him so kindly, and don't let him send the
+manuscript. I have seven on hand now, and barely time to read my own,'
+said Mrs Jo, pensively fishing a small letter out of the slop-bowl and
+opening it with care, because the down-hill address suggested that a
+child wrote it.
+
+'I will answer this myself. A little sick girl wants a book, and she
+shall have it, but I can't write sequels to all the rest to please her.
+I should never come to an end if I tried to suit these voracious little
+Oliver Twists, clamouring for more. What next, Robin?'
+
+'This is short and sweet.
+
+'DEAR MRS BHAER, I am now going to give you my opinion of your works.
+I have read them all many times, and call them first-rate. Please go
+ahead.
+
+'Your admirer,
+
+'BILLY BABCOCK'
+
+
+
+'Now that is what I like. Billy is a man of sense and a critic worth
+having, since he had read my works many times before expressing his
+opinion. He asks for no answer, so send my thanks and regards.'
+
+'Here's a lady in England with seven girls, and she wishes to know your
+views upon education. Also what careers they shall follow the oldest
+being twelve. Don't wonder she's worried,' laughed Rob.
+
+'I'll try to answer it. But as I have no girls, my opinion isn't worth
+much and will probably shock her, as I shall tell her to let them run
+and play and build up good, stout bodies before she talks about careers.
+They will soon show what they want, if they are let alone, and not all
+run in the same mould.'
+
+'Here's a fellow who wants to know what sort of a girl he shall marry,
+and if you know of any like those in your stories.'
+
+'Give him Nan's address, and see what he'll get,' proposed Ted,
+privately resolving to do it himself if possible.
+
+'This is from a lady who wants you to adopt her child and lend her money
+to study art abroad for a few years. Better take it, and try your hand
+at a girl, mother.'
+
+'No, thank you, I will keep to my own line of business. What is that
+blotted one? It looks rather awful, to judge by the ink,' asked Mrs Jo,
+who beguiled her daily task by trying to guess from the outside what
+was inside her many letters. This proved to be a poem from an insane
+admirer, to judge by its incoherent style.
+
+
+
+         'TO J.M.B.
+
+    'Oh, were I a heliotrope,
+     I would play poet,
+     And blow a breeze of fragrance
+     To you; and none should know it.
+
+    'Your form like the stately elm
+     When Phoebus gilds the morning ray;
+     Your cheeks like the ocean bed
+     That blooms a rose in May.
+
+    'Your words are wise and bright,
+     I bequeath them to you a legacy given;
+     And when your spirit takes its flight,
+     May it bloom aflower in heaven.
+
+    'My tongue in flattering language spoke,
+     And sweeter silence never broke
+     in busiest street or loneliest glen.
+     I take you with the flashes of my pen.
+
+    'Consider the lilies, how they grow;
+     They toil not, yet are fair,
+     Gems and flowers and Solomon's seal.
+     The geranium of the world is J. M. Bhaer.
+
+        'JAMES'
+
+
+
+While the boys shouted over this effusion--which is a true one--their
+mother read several liberal offers from budding magazines for her to
+edit them gratis; one long letter from a young girl inconsolable because
+her favourite hero died, and 'would dear Mrs Bhaer rewrite the tale, and
+make it end good?' another from an irate boy denied an autograph, who
+darkly foretold financial ruin and loss of favour if she did not
+send him and all other fellows who asked autographs, photographs, and
+auto-biographical sketches; a minister wished to know her religion;
+and an undecided maiden asked which of her two lovers she should marry.
+These samples will suffice to show a few of the claims made on a busy
+woman's time, and make my readers pardon Mrs Jo if she did not carefully
+reply to all.
+
+'That job is done. Now I will dust a bit, and then go to my work. I'm
+all behind-hand, and serials can't wait; so deny me to everybody, Mary.
+I won't see Queen Victoria if she comes today.' And Mrs Bhaer threw down
+her napkin as if defying all creation.
+
+'I hope the day will go well with thee, my dearest,' answered her
+husband, who had been busy with his own voluminous correspondence. 'I
+will dine at college with Professor Plock, who is to visit us today. The
+Junglings can lunch on Parnassus; so thou shalt have a quiet time.' And
+smoothing the worried lines out of her forehead with his good-bye kiss,
+the excellent man marched away, both pockets full of books, an old
+umbrella in one hand, and a bag of stones for the geology class in the
+other.
+
+'If all literary women had such thoughtful angels for husbands, they
+would live longer and write more. Perhaps that wouldn't be a blessing to
+the world though, as most of us write too much now,' said Mrs Jo, waving
+her feather duster to her spouse, who responded with flourishes of the
+umbrella as he went down the avenue.
+
+Rob started for school at the same time, looking so much like him with
+his books and bag and square shoulders and steady air that his mother
+laughed as she turned away, saying heartily: 'Bless both my dear
+professors, for better creatures never lived!'
+
+Emil was already gone to his ship in the city; but Ted lingered to steal
+the address he wanted, ravage the sugar-bowl, and talk with 'Mum';
+for the two had great larks together. Mrs Jo always arranged her own
+parlour, refilled her vases, and gave the little touches that left it
+cool and neat for the day. Going to draw down the curtain, she beheld an
+artist sketching on the lawn, and groaned as she hastily retired to the
+back window to shake her duster.
+
+At that moment the bell rang and the sound of wheels was heard in the
+road.
+
+'I'll go; Mary lets 'em in'; and Ted smoothed his hair as he made for
+the hall.
+
+'Can't see anyone. Give me a chance to fly upstairs,' whispered Mrs Jo,
+preparing to escape. But before she could do so, a man appeared at the
+door with a card in his hand. Ted met him with a stern air, and his
+mother dodged behind the window-curtains to bide her time for escape.
+
+'I am doing a series of articles for the Saturday Tattler, and I
+called to see Mrs Bhaer the first of all,' began the newcomer in the
+insinuating tone of his tribe, while his quick eyes were taking in all
+they could, experience having taught him to make the most of his time,
+as his visits were usually short ones.
+
+'Mrs Bhaer never sees reporters, sir.'
+
+'But a few moments will be all I ask,' said the man, edging his way
+farther in.
+
+'You can't see her, for she is out,' replied Teddy, as a backward glance
+showed him that his unhappy parent had vanished--through the window, he
+supposed, as she sometimes did when hard bestead.
+
+'Very sorry. I'll call again. Is this her study? Charming room!' And the
+intruder fell back on the parlour, bound to see something and bag a fact
+if he died in the attempt. 'It is not,' said Teddy, gently but firmly
+backing him down the hall, devoutly hoping that his mother had escaped
+round the corner of the house.
+
+'If you could tell me Mrs Bhaer's age and birthplace, date of marriage,
+and number of children, I should be much obliged,' continued the
+unabashed visitor as he tripped over the door-mat.
+
+'She is about sixty, born in Nova Zembla, married just forty years ago
+today, and has eleven daughters. Anything else, sir?' And Ted's sober
+face was such a funny contrast to his ridiculous reply that the reporter
+owned himself routed, and retired laughing just as a lady followed by
+three beaming girls came up the steps.
+
+'We are all the way from Oshkosh, and couldn't go home without seein'
+dear Aunt Jo. My girls just admire her works, and lot on gettin' a
+sight of her. I know it's early; but we are goin' to see Holmes and
+Longfeller, and the rest of the celebrities, so we ran out here fust
+thing. Mrs Erastus Kingsbury Parmalee, of Oshkosh, tell her. We don't
+mind waitin'; we can look round a spell if she ain't ready to see folks
+yet.'
+
+All this was uttered with such rapidity that Ted could only stand
+gazing at the buxom damsels, who fixed their six blue eyes upon him so
+beseechingly that his native gallantry made it impossible to deny them a
+civil reply at least.
+
+'Mrs Bhaer is not visible today--out just now, I believe; but you can
+see the house and grounds if you like,' he murmured, falling back as the
+four pressed in gazing rapturously about them.
+
+'Oh, thank you! Sweet, pretty place I'm sure! That's where she writes,
+ain't it? Do tell me if that's her picture! Looks just as I imagined
+her!'
+
+With these remarks the ladies paused before a fine engraving of the Hon.
+Mrs Norton, with a pen in her hand and a rapt expression of countenance,
+likewise a diadem and pearl necklace.
+
+Keeping his gravity with an effort, Teddy pointed to a very bad portrait
+of Mrs Jo, which hung behind the door, and afforded her much amusement,
+it was so dismal, in spite of a curious effect of light upon the end of
+the nose and cheeks as red as the chair she sat in.
+
+'This was taken for my mother; but it is not very good,' he said,
+enjoying the struggles of the girls not to look dismayed at the sad
+difference between the real and the ideal. The youngest, aged twelve,
+could not conceal her disappointment, and turned away, feeling as so
+many of us have felt when we discover that our idols are very ordinary
+men and women.
+
+'I thought she'd be about sixteen and have her hair braided in two
+tails down her back. I don't care about seeing her now,' said the honest
+child, walking off to the hall door, leaving her mother to apologize,
+and her sisters to declare that the bad portrait was 'perfectly lovely,
+so speaking and poetic, you know, 'specially about the brow'.
+
+'Come girls, we must be goin', if we want to get through today. You
+can leave your albums and have them sent when Mrs Bhaer has written a
+sentiment in 'em. We are a thousand times obliged. Give our best love
+to your ma, and tell her we are so sorry not to see her.' Just as
+Mrs. Erastus Kingsbury Parmalee uttered the words her eye fell upon a
+middle-aged woman in a large checked apron, with a handkerchief tied
+over her head, busily dusting an end room which looked like a study.
+
+'One peep at her sanctum since she is out,' cried the enthusiastic lady,
+and swept across the hall with her flock before Teddy could warn his
+mother, whose retreat had been cut off by the artist in front, the
+reporter at the back of the house--for he hadn't gone and the ladies in
+the hall.
+
+'They've got her!' thought Teddy, in comical dismay. 'No use for her to
+play housemaid since they've seen the portrait.'
+
+Mrs Jo did her best, and being a good actress, would have escaped if the
+fatal picture had not betrayed her. Mrs Parmalee paused at the desk, and
+regardless of the meerschaum that lay there, the man's slippers close
+by, and a pile of letters directed to 'Prof. F. Bhaer', she clasped her
+hands, exclaiming impressively: 'Girls, this is the spot where she wrote
+those sweet, those moral tales which have thrilled us to the soul! Could
+I--ah, could I take one morsel of paper, an old pen, a postage stamp
+even, as a memento of this gifted woman?'
+
+'Yes'm, help yourselves,' replied the maid, moving away with a glance at
+the boy, whose eyes were now full of merriment he could not suppress.
+
+The oldest girl saw it, guessed the truth, and a quick look at the
+woman in the apron confirmed her suspicion. Touching her mother, she
+whispered: 'Ma, it's Mrs Bhaer herself. I know it is.'
+
+'No? yes? it is! Well, I do declare, how nice that is!' And hastily
+pursuing the unhappy woman, who was making for the door, Mrs Parmalee
+cried eagerly:
+
+'Don't mind us! I know you're busy, but just let me take your hand and
+then we'll go.'
+
+Giving herself up for lost, Mrs Jo turned and presented her hand like
+a tea-tray, submitting to have it heartily shaken, as the matron said,
+with somewhat alarming hospitality:
+
+'If ever you come to Oshkosh, your feet won't be allowed to touch the
+pavement; for you'll be borne in the arms of the populace, we shall be
+so dreadful glad to see you.'
+
+Mentally resolving never to visit that effusive town, Jo responded
+as cordially as she could; and having written her name in the albums,
+provided each visitor with a memento, and kissed them all round, they at
+last departed, to call on 'Longfeller, Holmes, and the rest'--who were
+all out, it is devoutly to be hoped.
+
+'You villain, why didn't you give me a chance to whip away? Oh, my dear,
+what fibs you told that man! I hope we shall be forgiven our sins in
+this line, but I don't know what is to become of us if we don't dodge.
+So many against one isn't fair play.' And Mrs Jo hung up her apron in
+the hall closet, with a groan at the trials of her lot.
+
+'More people coming up the avenue! Better dodge while the coast is
+clear! I'll head them off!' cried Teddy, looking back from the steps, as
+he was departing to school.
+
+Mrs Jo flew upstairs, and having locked her door, calmly viewed a young
+ladies' seminary camp on the lawn, and being denied the house, proceed
+to enjoy themselves by picking the flowers, doing up their hair,
+eating lunch, and freely expressing their opinion of the place and its
+possessors before they went.
+
+A few hours of quiet followed, and she was just settling down to a long
+afternoon of hard work, when Rob came home to tell her that the Young
+Men's Christian Union would visit the college, and two or three of the
+fellows whom she knew wanted to pay their respects to her on the way.
+
+'It is going to rain, so they won't come, I dare say; but father thought
+you'd like to be ready, in case they do call. You always see the boys,
+you know, though you harden your heart to the poor girls,' said Rob, who
+had heard from his brother about the morning visitations.
+
+'Boys don't gush, so I can stand it. The last time I let in a party of
+girls one fell into my arms and said, “Darling, love me!” I wanted to
+shake her,' answered Mrs Jo, wiping her pen with energy.
+
+'You may be sure the fellows won't do it, but they will want autographs,
+so you'd better be prepared with a few dozen,' said Rob, laying out a
+quire of notepaper, being a hospitable youth and sympathizing with those
+who admired his mother.
+
+'They can't outdo the girls. At X College I really believe I wrote
+three hundred during the day I was there, and I left a pile of cards and
+albums on my table when I came away. It is one of the most absurd and
+tiresome manias that ever afflicted the world.'
+
+Nevertheless Mrs Jo wrote her name a dozen times, put on her black silk,
+and resigned herself to the impending call, praying for rain, however,
+as she returned to her work.
+
+The shower came, and feeling quite secure, she rumpled up her hair, took
+off her cuffs, and hurried to finish her chapter; for thirty pages a day
+was her task, and she liked to have it well done before evening. Josie
+had brought some flowers for the vases, and was just putting the last
+touches when she saw several umbrellas bobbing down the hill.
+
+'They are coming, Aunty! I see uncle hurrying across the field to
+receive them,' she called at the stair-foot.
+
+'Keep an eye on them, and let me know when they enter the avenue.
+It will take but a minute to tidy up and run down,' answered Mrs Jo,
+scribbling away for dear life, because serials wait for no man, not even
+the whole Christian Union en masse.
+
+'There are more than two or three. I see half a dozen at least,' called
+sister Ann from the hall door. 'No! a dozen, I do believe; Aunty, look
+out; they are all coming! What shall we do?' And Josie quailed at the
+idea of facing the black throng rapidly approaching.
+
+'Mercy on us, there are hundreds! Run and put a tub in the back entry
+for their umbrellas to drip into. Tell them to go down the hall and
+leave them, and pile their hats on the table; the tree won't hold them
+all. No use to get mats; my poor carpets!' And down went Mrs Jo to
+prepare for the invasion, while Josie and the maids flew about dismayed
+at the prospect of so many muddy boots.
+
+On they came, a long line of umbrellas, with splashed legs and flushed
+faces underneath; for the gentlemen had been having a good time all over
+the town, undisturbed by the rain. Professor Bhaer met them at the gate,
+and was making a little speech of welcome, when Mrs Jo, touched by their
+bedraggled state, appeared at the door, beckoning them in. Leaving
+their host to orate bareheaded in the wet, the young men hastened up the
+steps, merry, warm, and eager, clutching off their hats as they came,
+and struggling with their umbrellas, as the order was passed to march in
+and stack arms.
+
+Tramp, tramp, tramp, down the hall went seventy-five pairs of boots;
+soon seventy-five umbrellas dripped sociably in the hospitable tub,
+while their owners swarmed all over the lower part of the house; and
+seventy-five hearty hands were shaken by the hostess without a murmur,
+though some were wet, some very warm, and nearly all bore trophies of
+the day's ramble. One impetuous party flourished a small turtle as he
+made his compliments; another had a load of sticks cut from noted
+spots; and all begged for some memento of Plumfield. A pile of
+cards mysteriously appeared on the table, with a written request for
+autographs; and despite her morning vow, Mrs Jo wrote everyone, while
+her husband and boys did the honours of the house.
+
+Josie fled to the back parlour, but was discovered by exploring youths,
+and mortally insulted by one of them, who innocently inquired if she was
+Mrs Bhaer. The reception did not last long, and the end was better than
+the beginning; for the rain ceased, and a rainbow shone beautifully
+over them as the good fellows stood upon the lawn singing sweetly for a
+farewell. A happy omen, that bow of promise arched over the young heads,
+as if Heaven smiled upon their union, and showed them that above the
+muddy earth and rainy skies the blessed sun still shone for all. Three
+cheers, and then away they went, leaving a pleasant recollection of
+their visit to amuse the family as they scraped the mud off the carpets
+with shovels and emptied the tub half-full of water.
+
+'Nice, honest, hard-working fellows, and I don't begrudge my half-hour
+at all; but I must finish, so don't let anyone disturb me till
+tea-time,' said Mrs Jo, leaving Mary to shut up the house; for papa and
+the boys had gone off with the guests, and Josie had run home to tell
+her mother about the fun at Aunt Jo's.
+
+Peace reigned for an hour, then the bell rang and Mary came giggling
+up to say: 'A queer kind of a lady wants to know if she can catch a
+grasshopper in the garden.'
+
+'A what?' cried Mrs Jo, dropping her pen with a blot; for of all the odd
+requests ever made, this was the oddest.
+
+'A grasshopper, ma'am. I said you was busy, and asked what she wanted,
+and says she: “I've got grasshoppers from the grounds of several famous
+folks, and I want one from Plumfield to add to my collection.” Did you
+ever?' And Mary giggled again at the idea.
+
+'Tell her to take all there are and welcome. I shall be glad to get rid
+of them; always bouncing in my face and getting in my dress,' laughed
+Mrs Jo.
+
+Mary retired, to return in a moment nearly speechless with merriment.
+
+'She's much obliged, ma'am, and she'd like an old gown or a pair
+of stockings of yours to put in a rug she's making. Got a vest of
+Emerson's, she says, and a pair of Mr. Holmes's trousers, and a dress of
+Mrs Stowe's. She must be crazy!'
+
+'Give her that old red shawl, then I shall make a gay show among the
+great ones in that astonishing rug. Yes, they are all lunatics, these
+lion-hunters; but this seems to be a harmless maniac, for she doesn't
+take my time, and gives me a good laugh,' said Mrs Jo, returning to her
+work after a glance from the window, which showed her a tall, thin lady
+in rusty black, skipping wildly to and fro on the lawn in pursuit of the
+lively insect she wanted.
+
+No more interruptions till the light began to fade, then Mary popped her
+head in to say a gentleman wished to see Mrs Bhaer, and wouldn't take no
+for an answer.
+
+'He must. I shall not go down. This has been an awful day, and I won't
+be disturbed again,' replied the harassed authoress, pausing in the
+midst of the grand finale of her chapter.
+
+'I told him so, ma'am; but he walked right in as bold as brass. I guess
+he's another crazy one, and I declare I'm 'most afraid of him, he's
+so big and black, and cool as cucumbers, though I will say he's
+good-looking,' added Mary, with a simper; for the stranger had evidently
+found favour in her sight despite his boldness.
+
+'My day has been ruined, and I will have this last half-hour to finish.
+Tell him to go away; I won't go down,' cried Mrs Jo, fiercely.
+
+Mary went; and listening, in spite of herself, her mistress heard first
+a murmur of voices, then a cry from Mary, and remembering the ways of
+reporters, also that her maid was both pretty and timid, Mrs Bhaer flung
+down her pen and went to the rescue. Descending with her most majestic
+air she demanded in an awe-inspiring voice, as she paused to survey the
+somewhat brigandish intruder, who seemed to be storming the staircase
+which Mary was gallantly defending:
+
+'Who is this person who insists on remaining when I have declined to see
+him?'
+
+'I'm sure I don't know, ma'am. He won't give no name, and says you'll
+be sorry if you don't see him,' answered Mary, retiring flushed and
+indignant from her post.
+
+'Won't you be sorry?' asked the stranger, looking up with a pair of
+black eyes full of laughter, the flash of white teeth through a long
+beard, and both hands out as he boldly approached the irate lady.
+
+Mrs Jo gave one keen look, for the voice was familiar; then completed
+Mary's bewilderment by throwing both arms round the brigand's neck,
+exclaiming joyfully: 'My dearest boy, where did you come from?'
+
+'California, on purpose to see you, Mother Bhaer. Now won't you be sorry
+if I go away?' answered Dan, with a hearty kiss.
+
+'To think of my ordering you out of the house when I've been longing to
+see you for a year,' laughed Mrs Jo, and she went down to have a good
+talk with her returned wanderer, who enjoyed the joke immensely.
+
+
+
+Chapter 4. DAN
+
+Mrs Jo often thought that Dan had Indian blood in him, not only because
+of his love of a wild, wandering life, but his appearance; for as he
+grew up, this became more striking. At twenty-five he was very tall,
+with sinewy limbs, a keen, dark face, and the alert look of one whose
+senses were all alive; rough in manner, full of energy, quick with word
+and blow, eyes full of the old fire, always watchful as if used to keep
+guard, and a general air of vigour and freshness very charming to
+those who knew the dangers and delights of his adventurous life. He was
+looking his best as he sat talking with 'Mother Bhaer', one strong brown
+hand in hers, and a world of affection in his voice as he said:
+
+'Forget old friends! How could I forget the only home I ever knew? Why,
+I was in such a hurry to come and tell my good luck that I didn't stop
+to fix up, you see; though I knew you'd think I looked more like a wild
+buffalo than ever,' with a shake of his shaggy black head, a tug at his
+beard, and a laugh that made the room ring.
+
+'I like it; I always had a fancy for banditti--and you look just like
+one. Mary, being a newcomer, was frightened at your looks and manners.
+Josie won't know you, but Ted will recognize his Danny in spite of the
+big beard and flowing mane. They will all be here soon to welcome you;
+so before they come tell me more about yourself. Why, Dan, dear! it's
+nearly two years since you were here! Has it gone well with you?' asked
+Mrs Jo, who had been listening with maternal interest to his account of
+life in California, and the unexpected success of a small investment he
+had made.
+
+'First-rate! I don't care for the money, you know. I only want a trifle
+to pay my way--rather earn as I go, and not be bothered with the care of
+a lot. It's the fun of the thing coming to me, and my being able to give
+away, that I like. No use to lay up; I shan't live to be old and need
+it,--my sort never do,' said Dan, looking as if his little fortune
+rather oppressed him.
+
+'But if you marry and settle somewhere, as I hope you will, you must
+have something to begin with, my son. So be prudent and invest your
+money; don't give it away, for rainy days come to all of us, and
+dependence would be very hard for you to bear,' answered Mrs Jo with a
+sage air, though she liked to see that the money-making fever had not
+seized her lucky boy yet.
+
+Dan shook his head, and glanced about the room as if he already found it
+rather confined and longed for all out-of-doors again.
+
+'Who would marry a jack-o'-lantern like me? Women like a steady-going
+man; I shall never be that.'
+
+'My dear boy, when I was a girl I liked just such adventurous fellows
+as you are. Anything fresh and daring, free and romantic, is always
+attractive to us womenfolk. Don't be discouraged; you'll find an anchor
+some day, and be content to take shorter voyages and bring home a good
+cargo.'
+
+'What should you say if I brought you an Indian squaw some day?' asked
+Dan, with a glimmer of mischief in the eyes that rested on a marble bust
+of Galatea gleaming white and lovely in the corner.
+
+'Welcome her heartily, if she was a good one. Is there a prospect of
+it?' and Mrs Jo peered at him with the interest which even literary
+ladies take in love affairs.
+
+'Not at present, thank you. I'm too busy “to gallivant”, as Ted calls
+it. How is the boy?' asked Dan, skilfully turning the conversation, as
+if he had had enough of sentiment.
+
+Mrs Jo was off at once, and expatiated upon the talents and virtues
+of her sons till they came bursting in and fell upon Dan like two
+affectionate young bears, finding a vent for their joyful emotions in a
+sort of friendly wrestling-match; in which both got worsted, of course,
+for the hunter soon settled them. The Professor followed, and tongues
+went like mill-clappers while Mary lighted up and cook devoted herself
+to an unusually good supper, instinctively divining that this guest was
+a welcome one.
+
+After tea Dan was walking up and down the long rooms as he talked, with
+occasional trips into the hall for a fresher breath of air, his lungs
+seeming to need more than those of civilized people. In one of these
+trips he saw a white figure framed in the dark doorway, and paused to
+look at it. Bess paused also, not recognizing her old friend, and quite
+unconscious of the pretty picture she made standing, tall and slender,
+against the soft gloom of the summer night, with her golden hair like a
+halo round her head, and the ends of a white shawl blown out like wings
+by the cool wind sweeping through the hail. 'Is it Dan?' she asked,
+coming in with a gracious smile and outstretched hand.
+
+'Looks like it; but I didn't know you, Princess. I thought it was a
+spirit,' answered Dan, looking down at her with a curious softness and
+wonder in his face.
+
+'I've grown very much, but two years have changed you entirely'; and
+Bess looked up with girlish pleasure at the picturesque figure before
+her--for it was a decided contrast to the well-dressed people about her.
+
+Before they could say more, Josie rushed in, and, forgetfull of the
+newly acquired dignity of her teens, let Dan catch her up and kiss her
+like a child. Not till he set her down did he discover she also was
+changed, and exclaimed in comic dismay:
+
+'Hallo! Why, you are growing up too! What am I going to do, with no
+young one to play with? Here's Ted going it like a beanstalk, and Bess a
+young lady, and even you, my mustard-seed, letting down your frocks and
+putting on airs.'
+
+The girls laughed, and Josie blushed as she stared at the tall man,
+conscious that she had leaped before she looked. They made a pretty
+contrast, these two young cousins--one as fair as a lily, the other
+a little wild rose. And Dan gave a nod of satisfaction as he surveyed
+them; for he had seen many bonny girls in his travels, and was glad that
+these old friends were blooming so beautifully.
+
+'Here! we can't allow any monopoly of Dan!' called Mrs Jo. 'Bring him
+back and keep an eye on him, or he will be slipping off for another
+little run of a year or two before we have half seen him.'
+
+Led by these agreeable captors, Dan returned to the parlour to receive a
+scolding from Josie for getting ahead of all the other boys and looking
+like a man first.
+
+'Emil is older; but he's only a boy, and dances jigs and sings sailor
+songs just as he used to. You look about thirty, and as big and black
+as a villain in a play. Oh, I've got a splendid idea! You are just the
+thing for Arbaces in The Last Days of Pompeii. We want to act it; have
+the lion and the gladiators and the eruption. Tom and Ted are going to
+shower bushels of ashes down and roll barrels of stones about. We wanted
+a dark man for the Egyptian; and you will be gorgeous in red and white
+shawls. Won't he, Aunt Jo?'
+
+This deluge of words made Dan clap his hands over his ears; and before
+Mrs Bhaer could answer her impetuous niece the Laurences, with Meg and
+her family, arrived, soon followed by Tom and Nan, and all sat down to
+listen to Dan's adventures--told in brief yet effective manner, as the
+varying expressions of interest, wonder, merriment, and suspense painted
+on the circle of faces round him plainly showed. The boys all wanted to
+start at once for California and make fortunes; the girls could hardly
+wait for the curious and pretty things he had picked up for them in his
+travels; while the elders rejoiced heartily over the energy and good
+prospects of their wild boy.
+
+'Of course you will want to go back for another stroke of luck; and I
+hope you will have it. But speculation is a dangerous game, and you may
+lose all you've won,' said Mr Laurie, who had enjoyed the stirring tale
+as much as any of the boys, and would have liked to rough it with Dan as
+well as they.
+
+'I've had enough of it, for a while at least; too much like gambling.
+The excitement is all I care for, and it isn't good for me. I have a
+notion to try farming out West. It's grand on a large scale; and I feel
+as if steady work would be rather jolly after loafing round so long. I
+can make a beginning, and you can send me your black sheep to stock my
+place with. I tried sheep-farming in Australia, and know something about
+black ones, any way.'
+
+A laugh chased away the sober look in Dan's face as he ended; and those
+who knew him best guessed that he had learned a lesson there in San
+Francisco, and dared not try again.
+
+'That is a capital idea, Dan!' cried Mrs Jo, seeing great hope in this
+desire to fix himself somewhere and help others. 'We shall know where
+you are, and can go and see you, and not have half the world between us.
+I'll send my Ted for a visit. He's such a restless spirit, it would
+do him good. With you he would be safe while he worked off his surplus
+energies and learned a wholesome business.'
+
+'I'll use the “shubble and de hoe” like a good one, if I get a chance
+out there; but the Speranza mines sound rather jollier,' said Ted,
+examining the samples of ore Dan had brought for the Professor.
+
+'You go and start a new town, and when we are ready to swarm we will
+come out and settle there. You will want a newspaper very soon, and I
+like the idea of running one myself much better than grinding away as
+I do now,' observed Demi, panting to distinguish himself in the
+journalistic line.
+
+'We could easily plant a new college there. These sturdy Westerners are
+hungry for learning, and very quick to see and choose the best,' added
+ever-young Mr March, beholding with his prophetic eye many duplicates of
+their own flourishing establishment springing up in the wide West.
+
+'Go on, Dan. It is a fine plan, and we will back you up. I shouldn't
+mind investing in a few prairies and cowboys myself,' said Mr Laurie,
+always ready to help the lads to help themselves, both by his cheery
+words and ever-open purse.
+
+'A little money sort of ballasts a fellow, and investing it in land
+anchors him--for a while, at least. I'd like to see what I can do, but
+I thought I'd consult you before I decided. Have my doubts about it
+suiting me for many years; but I can cut loose when I'm tired,' answered
+Dan, both touched and pleased at the eager interest of these friends in
+his plans.
+
+'I know you won't like it. After having the whole world to roam over,
+one farm will seem dreadfully small and stupid,' said Josie, who much
+preferred the romance of the wandering life which brought her thrilling
+tales and pretty things at each return.
+
+'Is there any art out there?' asked Bess, thinking what a good study in
+black and white Dan would make as he stood talking, half turned from the
+light.
+
+'Plenty of nature, dear; and that is better. You will find splendid
+animals to model, and scenery such as you never saw in Europe to paint.
+Even prosaic pumpkins are grand out there. You can play Cinderella in
+one of them, Josie, when you open your theatre in Dansville,' said Mr
+Laurie, anxious that no cold water should be thrown on the new plan.
+
+Stage-struck Josie was caught at once, and being promised all the tragic
+parts on the yet unbuilt stage, she felt a deep interest in the project
+and begged Dan to lose no time in beginning his experiment. Bess also
+confessed that studies from nature would be good for her, and wild
+scenery improve her taste, which might grow over-nice if only the
+delicate and beautiful were set before her.
+
+'I speak for the practice of the new town,' said Nan, always eager
+for fresh enterprises. 'I shall be ready by the time you get well
+started--towns grow so fast out there.'
+
+'Dan isn't going to allow any woman under forty in his place. He doesn't
+like them, 'specially young and pretty ones,' put in Tom, who was raging
+with jealousy, because he read admiration for Nan in Dan's eyes.
+
+'That won't affect me, because doctors are exceptions to all rules.
+There won't be much sickness in Dansville, everyone will lead such
+active, wholesome lives, and only energetic young people will go there.
+But accidents will be frequent, owing to wild cattle, fast riding,
+Indian scrimmages, and the recklessness of Western life. That will just
+suit me. I long for broken bones, surgery is so interesting and I get so
+little here,' answered Nan, yearning to put out her shingle and begin.
+
+'I'll have you, Doctor, and be glad of such a good sample of what we can
+do in the East. Peg away, and I'll send for you as soon as I have a roof
+to cover you. I'll scalp a few red fellows or smash up a dozen or so of
+cowboys for your special benefit,' laughed Dan, well pleased with the
+energy and fine physique which made Nan a conspicuous figure among other
+girls.
+
+'Thanks. I'll come. Would you just let me feel your arm? Splendid
+biceps! Now, boys, see here: this is what I call muscle.' And Nan
+delivered a short lecture with Dan's sinewy arm to illustrate it. Tom
+retired to the alcove and glowered at the stars, while he swung his own
+right arm with a vigour suggestive of knocking someone down.
+
+'Make Tom sexton; he'll enjoy burying the patients Nan kills. He's
+trying to get up the glum expression proper to the business. Don't
+forget him, Dan,' said Ted, directing attention to the blighted being in
+the corner.
+
+But Tom never sulked long, and came out from his brief eclipse with the
+cheerful proposition:
+
+'Look here, we'll get the city to ship out to Dansville all the cases of
+yellow fever, smallpox, and cholera that arrive; then Nan will be happy
+and her mistakes won't matter much with emigrants and convicts.'
+
+'I should advise settling near Jacksonville, or some such city, that you
+might enjoy the society of cultivated persons. The Plato Club is there,
+and a most ardent thirst for philosophy. Everything from the East is
+welcomed hospitably, and new enterprises would flourish in such kindly
+soil,' observed Mr March, mildly offering a suggestion, as he sat among
+the elders enjoying the lively scene.
+
+The idea of Dan studying Plato was very funny; but no one except naughty
+Ted smiled, and Dan made haste to unfold another plan seething in that
+active brain of his.
+
+'I'm not sure the farming will succeed, and have a strong leaning
+towards my old friends the Montana Indians. They are a peaceful tribe,
+and need help awfully; hundreds have died of starvation because they
+don't get their share. The Sioux are fighters, thirty thousand strong,
+so Government fears 'em, and gives 'em all they want. I call that a
+damned shame!' Dan stopped short as the oath slipped out, but his eyes
+flashed, and he went on quickly: 'It is just that, and I won't beg
+pardon. If I'd had any money when I was there I'd have given every cent
+to those poor devils, cheated out of everything, and waiting patiently,
+after being driven from their own land to places where nothing will
+grow. Now, honest agents could do much, and I've a feeling that I ought
+to go and lend a hand. I know their lingo, and I like 'em. I've got a
+few thousands, and I ain't sure I have any right to spend it on myself
+and settle down to enjoy it. Hey?'
+
+Dan looked very manly and earnest as he faced his friends, flushed and
+excited by the energy of his words; and all felt that little thrill of
+sympathy which links hearts together by the tie of pity for the wronged.
+
+'Do it, do it!' cried Mrs Jo, fired at once; for misfortune was much
+more interesting to her than good luck.
+
+'Do it, do it!' echoed Ted, applauding as if at a play, 'and take me
+along to help. I'm just raging to get among those fine fellows and
+hunt.'
+
+'Let us hear more and see if it is wise,' said Mr Laurie, privately
+resolving to people his as yet unbought prairies with Montana Indians,
+and increase his donations to the society that sent missionaries to this
+much wronged people.
+
+Dan plunged at once into the history of what he saw among the Dakotas,
+and other tribes in the Northwest, telling of their wrongs, patience,
+and courage as if they were his brothers.
+
+'They called me Dan Fire Cloud, because my rifle was the best they ever
+saw. And Black Hawk was as good a friend as a fellow would want; saved
+my life more than once, and taught me just what will be useful if I go
+back. They are down on their luck, now, and I'd like to pay my debts.'
+
+By this time everyone was interested, and Dansville began to lose its
+charm. But prudent Mr Bhaer suggested that one honest agent among many
+could not do much, and noble as the effort would be, it was wiser to
+think over the matter carefully, get influence and authority from the
+right quarters, and meantime look at lands before deciding.
+
+'Well, I will. I'm going to take a run to Kansas and see how that
+promises. Met a fellow in 'Frisco who'd been there, and he spoke well
+of it. The fact is, there's so much to be done every where that I don't
+know where to catch on, and half wish I hadn't any money,' answered Dan,
+knitting his brows in the perplexity all kind souls feel when anxious to
+help at the great task of the world's charity.
+
+'I'll keep it for you till you decide. You are such an impetuous lad
+you'll give it to the first beggar that gets hold of you. I'll turn it
+over while you are prospecting, and hand it back when you are ready to
+invest, shall I?' asked Mr Laurie, who had learned wisdom since the days
+of his own extravagant youth.
+
+'Thanky, sir, I'd be glad to get rid of it. You just hold on till I say
+the word; and if anything happens to me this time, keep it to help some
+other scamp as you helped me. This is my will, and you all witness it.
+Now I feel better.' And Dan squared his shoulders as if relieved of
+a burden, after handing over the belt in which he carried his little
+fortune.
+
+No one dreamed how much was to happen before Dan came to take his money
+back, nor how nearly that act was his last will and testament; and while
+Mr Laurie was explaining how he would invest it, a cheery voice was
+heard singing:
+
+    'Oh, Peggy was a jolly lass,
+     Ye heave ho, boys, ye heave ho!
+     She never grudged her Jack a glass,
+     Ye heave ho, boys, ye heave ho!
+     And when he sailed the raging main,
+     She faithful was unto her swain,
+     Ye heave ho, boys, ye heave ho!'
+
+Emil always announced his arrival in that fashion, and in a moment he
+came hurrying in with Nat, who had been giving lessons in town all day.
+It was good to see the latter beam at his friend as he nearly shook his
+hand off; better still to see how Dan gratefully remembered all he owed
+Nat, and tried to pay the debt in his rough way; and best of all to
+hear the two travellers compare notes and reel off yarns to dazzle the
+land-lubbers and home-keepers.
+
+After this addition the house would not contain the gay youngsters, so
+they migrated to the piazza and settled on the steps, like a flock of
+night-loving birds. Mr March and the Professor retired to the study, Meg
+and Amy went to look after the little refection of fruit and cake which
+was to come, and Mrs Jo and Mr Laurie sat in the long window listening
+to the chat that went on outside.
+
+'There they are, the flower of our flock!' she said, pointing to the
+group before them. 'The others are dead or scattered, but these seven
+boys and four girls are my especial comfort and pride. Counting Alice
+Heath, my dozen is made up, and my hands are full trying to guide these
+young lives as far as human skill can do it.'
+
+'When we remember how different they are, from what some of them came,
+and the home influences about others, I think we may feel pretty well
+satisfied so far,' answered Mr Laurie soberly, as his eyes rested on
+one bright head among the black and brown ones, for the young moon shone
+alike on all.
+
+'I don't worry about the girls; Meg sees to them, and is so wise and
+patient and tender they can't help doing well; but my boys are more care
+every year, and seem to drift farther away from me each time they go,'
+sighed Mrs Jo. 'They will grow up, and I can only hold them by one
+little thread, which may snap at any time, as it has with Jack and Ned.
+Dolly and George still like to come back, and I can say my word to them;
+and dear old Franz is too true ever to forget his own. But the three
+who are soon going out into the world again I can't help worrying about.
+Emil's good heart will keep him straight, I hope, and
+
+    '“A sweet little cherub sits up aloft,
+    To look out for the life of poor Jack.”'
+
+Nat is to make his first flight, and he's weak in spite of your
+strengthening influence; and Dan is still untamed. I fear it will take
+some hard lesson to do that.'
+
+'He's a fine fellow, Jo, and I almost regret this farming project. A
+little polish would make a gentleman of him, and who knows what he might
+become here among us,' answered Mr Laurie, leaning over Mrs Bhaer's
+chair, just as he used to do years ago when they had mischievous secrets
+together.
+
+'It wouldn't be safe, Teddy. Work and the free life he loves will make a
+good man of him, and that is better than any amount of polish, with
+the dangers an easy life in a city would bring him. We can't change his
+nature--only help it to develop in the right direction. The old impulses
+are there, and must be controlled, or he will go wrong. I see that; but
+his love for us is a safeguard, and we must keep a hold on him till he
+is older or has a stronger tie to help him.'
+
+Mrs Jo spoke earnestly, for, knowing Dan better than anyone else, she
+saw that her colt was not thoroughly broken yet, and feared while she
+hoped, knowing that life would always be hard for one like him. She was
+sure that before he went away again, in some quiet moment he would give
+her a glimpse of his inner self, and then she could say the word of
+warning or encouragement that he needed. So she bided her time, studying
+him meanwhile, glad to see all that was promising, and quick to detect
+the harm the world was doing him. She was very anxious to make a success
+of her 'firebrand' because others predicted failure; but having learned
+that people cannot be moulded like clay, she contented herself with the
+hope that this neglected boy might become a good man, and asked no more.
+Even that was much to expect, so full was he of wayward impulses, strong
+passions, and the lawless nature born in him. Nothing held him but
+the one affection of his life--the memory of Plumfield, the fear
+of disappointing these faithful friends, the pride, stronger than
+principle, that made him want to keep the regard of the mates who always
+had admired and loved him in spite of all his faults.
+
+'Don't fret, old dear; Emil is one of the happy-go-lucky sort who always
+fall on their legs. I'll see to Nat, and Dan is in a good way now. Let
+him take a look at Kansas, and if the farm plan loses its charm, he
+can fall back on poor Lo, and really do good out there. He's unusually
+fitted for that peculiar task and I hope he'll decide to do it. Fighting
+oppressors, and befriending the oppressed will keep those dangerous
+energies of his busy, and the life will suit him better than sheep-folds
+and wheat-fields.'
+
+'I hope so. What is that?' and Mrs Jo leaned forward to listen, as
+exclamations from Ted and Josie caught her ear.
+
+'A mustang! a real, live one; and we can ride it. Dan, you are a
+first-class trump!' cried the boy.
+
+'A whole Indian dress for me! Now I can play Namioka, if the boys act
+Metamora,' added Josie, clapping her hands.
+
+'A buffalo's head for Bess! Good gracious, Dan, why did you bring such a
+horrid thing as that to her?' asked Nan.
+
+'Thought it would do her good to model something strong and natural.
+She'll never amount to anything if she keeps on making namby-pamby gods
+and pet kittens,' answered irreverent Dan, remembering that when he was
+last here Bess was vibrating distractedly between a head of Apollo and
+her Persian cat as models.
+
+'Thank you; I'll try it, and if I fail we can put the buffalo up in the
+hall to remind us of you,' said Bess, indignant at the insult offered
+the gods of her idolatry, but too well bred to show it except in her
+voice, which was as sweet and as cold as ice-cream.
+
+'I suppose you won't come out to see our new settlement when the rest
+do? Too rough for you?' asked Dan, trying to assume the deferential air
+all the boys used when addressing their Princess.
+
+'I am going to Rome to study for years. All the beauty and art of the
+world is there, and a lifetime isn't long enough to enjoy it,' answered
+Bess.
+
+'Rome is a mouldy old tomb compared to the “Garden of the gods” and my
+magnificent Rockies. I don't care a hang for art; nature is as much as I
+can stand, and I guess I could show you things that would knock your old
+masters higher than kites. Better come, and while Josie rides the horses
+you can model 'em. If a drove of a hundred or so of wild ones can't show
+you beauty, I'll give up,' cried Dan, waxing enthusiastic over the wild
+grace and vigour which he could enjoy but had no power to describe.
+
+'I'll come some day with papa, and see if they are better than the
+horses of St Mark and those on Capitol Hill. Please don't abuse my gods,
+and I will try to like yours,' said Bess, beginning to think the West
+might be worth seeing, though no Raphael or Angelo had yet appeared
+there.
+
+'That's a bargain! I do think people ought to see their own country
+before they go scooting off to foreign parts, as if the new world wasn't
+worth discovering,' began Dan, ready to bury the hatchet.
+
+'It has some advantages, but not all. The women of England can vote,
+and we can't. I'm ashamed of America that she isn't ahead in all good
+things,' cried Nan, who held advanced views on all reforms, and was
+anxious about her rights, having had to fight for some of them.
+
+'Oh, please don't begin on that. People always quarrel over that
+question, and call names, and never agree. Do let us be quiet and happy
+tonight,' pleaded Daisy, who hated discussion as much as Nan loved it.
+
+'You shall vote as much as you like in our new town, Nan; be mayor and
+aldermen, and run the whole concern. It's going to be as free as air,
+or I can't live in it,' said Dan, adding, with a laugh, 'I see Mrs
+Giddygaddy and Mrs Shakespeare Smith don't agree any better than they
+used to.'
+
+'If everyone agreed, we should never get on. Daisy is a dear, but
+inclined to be an old fogy; so I stir her up; and next fall she will go
+and vote with me. Demi will escort us to do the one thing we are allowed
+to do as yet.'
+
+'Will you take 'em, Deacon?' asked Dan, using the old name as if he
+liked it. 'It works capitally in Wyoming.'
+
+'I shall be proud to do it. Mother and the aunts go every year, and
+Daisy will come with me. She is my better half still; and I don't mean
+to leave her behind in anything,' said Demi, with an arm round his
+sister of whom he was fonder than ever.
+
+Dan looked at them wistfully, thinking how sweet it must be to have such
+a tie; and his lonely youth seemed sadder than ever as he recalled its
+struggles. A gusty sigh from Tom made sentiment impossible, as he said
+pensively:
+
+'I always wanted to be a twin. It's so sociable and so cosy to have
+someone glad to lean on a fellow and comfort him, if other girls are
+cruel.'
+
+As Tom's unrequited passion was the standing joke of the family, this
+allusion produced a laugh, which Nan increased by whipping out a bottle
+of Nux, saying, with her professional air:
+
+'I knew you ate too much lobster for tea. Take four pellets, and your
+dyspepsia will be all right. Tom always sighs and is silly when he's
+overeaten.'
+
+'I'll take 'em. These are the only sweet things you ever give me.' And
+Tom gloomily crunched his dose.
+
+'“Who can minister to a mind diseased, or pluck out a rooted sorrow?”
+ quoted Josie tragically from her perch on the railing.
+
+'Come with me, Tommy, and I'll make a man of you. Drop your pills and
+powders, and cavort round the world a spell, and you'll soon forget
+you've got a heart, or a stomach either,' said Dan, offering his one
+panacea for all ills.
+
+'Ship with me, Tom. A good fit of seasickness will set you up, and
+a stiff north-easter blow your blue-devils away. Come along as
+surgeon--easy berth, and no end of larks.'
+
+    '“And if your Nancy frowns, my lad,
+      And scorns a jacket blue,
+      Just hoist your sails for other ports,
+      And find a maid more true.”'
+
+added Emil, who had a fragment of song to cheer every care and sorrow,
+and freely offered them to his friends.
+
+'Perhaps I'll think of it when I've got my diploma. I'm not going to
+grind three mortal years and have nothing to show for it. Till then,--'
+
+'I'll never desert Mrs Micawber,' interrupted Teddy, with a gurgling
+sob. Tom immediately rolled him off the step into the wet grass below;
+and by the time this slight skirmish was over, the jingle of teaspoons
+suggested refreshments of a more agreeable sort. In former times the
+little girls waited on the boys, to save confusion; now the young men
+flew to serve the ladies, young and old; and that slight fact showed
+plainly how the tables were turned by time. And what a pleasant
+arrangement it was! Even Josie sat still, and let Emil bring her
+berries; enjoying her young lady-hood, till Ted stole her cake, when she
+forgot manners, and chastised him with a rap on the knuckles. As guest
+of honour, Dan was only allowed to wait on Bess, who still held the
+highest place in this small world. Tom carefully selected the best of
+everything for Nan, to be crushed by the remark:
+
+'I never eat at this hour; and you will have a nightmare if you do.'
+
+So, dutifully curbing the pangs of hunger, he gave the plate to Daisy,
+and chewed rose-leaves for his supper.
+
+When a surprising quantity of wholesome nourishment had been consumed,
+someone said, 'Let's sing!' and a tuneful hour followed. Nat fiddled,
+Demi piped, Dan strummed the old banjo, and Emil warbled a doleful
+ballad about the wreck of the Bounding Betsey; then everybody joined
+in the old songs till there was very decidedly 'music in the air'; and
+passers-by said, as they listened smiling: 'Old Plum is gay tonight!'
+
+When all had gone Dan lingered on the piazza, enjoying the balmy wind
+that blew up from the hayfields, and brought the breath of flowers from
+Parnassus; and as he leaned there romantically in the moonlight, Mrs Jo
+came to shut the door.
+
+'Dreaming dreams, Dan?' she asked, thinking the tender moment might have
+come. Imagine the shock when, instead of some interesting confidence or
+affectionate word, Dan swung round, saying bluntly:
+
+'I was wishing I could smoke.'
+
+Mrs Jo laughed at the downfall of her hopes, and answered kindly:
+
+'You may, in your room; but don't set the house afire.'
+
+Perhaps Dan saw a little disappointment in her face, or the memory of
+the sequel of that boyish frolic touched his heart; for he stooped and
+kissed her, saying in a whisper: 'Good night, mother.' And Mrs Jo was
+half satisfied.
+
+
+
+Chapter 5. VACATION
+
+Everyone was glad of a holiday next morning, and all lingered over the
+breakfast-table, till Mrs Jo suddenly exclaimed:
+
+'Why, there's a dog!' And on the threshold of the door appeared a great
+deer-hound, standing motionless, with his eyes fixed on Dan.
+
+'Hallo, old boy! Couldn't you wait till I came for you? Have you cut
+away on the sly? Own up now, and take your whipping like a man,' said
+Dan, rising to meet the dog, who reared on his hind legs to look his
+master in the face and bark as if uttering an indignant denial of any
+disobedience.
+
+'All right; Don never lies.' And Dan gave the tall beast a hug, adding
+as he glanced out of the window, where a man and horse were seen
+approaching:
+
+'I left my plunder at the hotel over night, not knowing how I should
+find you. Come out and see Octoo, my mustang; she's a beauty.' And Dan
+was off, with the family streaming after him, to welcome the newcomer.
+
+They found her preparing to go up the steps in her eagerness to reach
+her master, to the great dismay of the man, who was holding her back.
+
+'Let her come,' called Dan; 'she climbs like a cat and jumps like a
+deer. Well, my girl, do you want a gallop?' he asked, as the pretty
+creature clattered up to him and whinnied with pleasure as he rubbed her
+nose and slapped her glossy flank.
+
+'That's what I call a horse worth having,' said Ted, full of admiration
+and delight; for he was to have the care of her during Dan's absence.
+
+'What intelligent eyes! She looks as if she would speak,' said Mrs Jo.
+
+'She talks like a human in her way. Very little that she don't know.
+Hey, old Lass?' and Dan laid his cheek to hers as if the little black
+mare was very dear to him.
+
+'What does “Octoo” mean?' asked Rob.
+
+'Lightning; she deserves it, as you'll see. Black Hawk gave her to me
+for my rifle, and we've had high times together out yonder. She's saved
+my life more than once. Do you see that scar?'
+
+Dan pointed to a small one, half hidden by the long mane; and standing
+with his arm about Octoo's neck, he told the story of it.
+
+'Black Hawk and I were after buffalo one time, but didn't find 'em as
+soon as we expected; so our food gave out, and there we were a hundred
+miles from Red Deer River, where our camp was. I thought we were done
+for, but my brave pal says: “Now I'll show you how we can live till
+we find the herds.” We were unsaddling for the night by a little pond;
+there wasn't a living creature in sight anywhere, not even a bird, and
+we could see for miles over the prairies. What do you think we did?' And
+Dan looked into the faces round him.
+
+'Ate worms like the Australian fellows,' said Rob. 'Boiled grass or
+leaves,' added Mrs Jo.
+
+'Perhaps filled the stomach with clay, as we read of savages doing?'
+suggested Mr Bhaer.
+
+'Killed one of the horses,' cried Ted, eager for bloodshed of some sort.
+
+'No; but we bled one of them. See, just here; filled a tin cup, put some
+wild sage leaves in it, with water, and heated it over a fire of sticks.
+It was good, and we slept well.'
+
+'I guess Octoo didn't.' And Josie patted the animal, with a face full of
+sympathy.
+
+'Never minded it a bit. Black Hawk said we could live on the horses
+several days and still travel before they felt it. But by another
+morning we found the buffalo, and I shot the one whose head is in my
+box, ready to hang up and scare brats into fits. He's a fierce old
+fellow, you bet.'
+
+'What is this strap for?' asked Ted, who was busily examining the Indian
+saddle, the single rein and snaffle, with lariat, and round the neck the
+leather band he spoke of.
+
+'We hold on to that when we lie along the horse's flank farthest from
+the enemy, and fire under the neck as we gallop round and round. I'll
+show you.' And springing into the saddle, Dan was off down the steps,
+tearing over the lawn at a great pace, sometimes on Octoo's back,
+sometimes half hidden as he hung by stirrup and strap, and sometimes
+off altogether, running beside her as she loped along, enjoying the
+fun immensely; while Don raced after, in a canine rapture at being free
+again and with his mates.
+
+It was a fine sight--the three wild things at play, so full of vigour,
+grace, and freedom, that for the moment the smooth lawn seemed a
+prairie; and the spectators felt as if this glimpse of another life made
+their own seem rather tame and colourless.
+
+'This is better than a circus!' cried Mrs Jo, wishing she were a girl
+again, that she might take a gallop on this chained lightning of a
+horse. 'I foresee that Nan will have her hands full setting bones, for
+Ted will break every one of his trying to rival Dan.'
+
+'A few falls will not harm, and this new care and pleasure will be good
+for him in all ways. But I fear Dan will never follow a plough after
+riding a Pegasus like that,' answered Mr Bhaer, as the black mare leaped
+the gate and came flying up the avenue, to stop at a word and stand
+quivering with excitement, while Dan swung himself off and looked up for
+applause.
+
+He received plenty of it, and seemed more pleased for his pet's sake
+than for his own. Ted clamoured for a lesson at once, and was soon at
+ease in the queer saddle, finding Octoo gentle as a lamb, as he trotted
+away to show off at college. Bess came hastening down the hill, having
+seen the race from afar; and all collected on the piazza while Dan
+'yanked' the cover off the big box the express had 'dumped' before the
+door--to borrow his own words.
+
+Dan usually travelled in light marching order, and hated to have more
+luggage than he could carry in his well-worn valise. But now that he had
+a little money of his own, he had cumbered himself with a collection of
+trophies won by his bow and spear, and brought them home to bestow upon
+his friends.
+
+'We shall be devoured with moths,' thought Mrs Jo, as the shaggy head
+appeared, followed by a wolf-skin rug for her feet, a bear-skin ditto
+for the Professor's study, and Indian garments bedecked with foxes'
+tails for the boys.
+
+All nice and warm for a July day, but received with delight
+nevertheless. Ted and Josie immediately 'dressed up', learned the
+war-whoop, and proceeded to astonish their friends by a series of
+skirmishes about the house and grounds, with tomahawks and bows and
+arrows, till weariness produced a lull.
+
+Gay birds' wings, plumy pampas grass, strings of wampum, and pretty work
+in beads, bark, and feathers, pleased the girls. Minerals, arrow-heads,
+and crude sketches interested the Professor; and when the box was empty,
+Dan gave Mr Laurie, as his gift, several plaintive Indian songs written
+on birch-bark.
+
+'We only want a tent over us to be quite perfect. I feel as if I ought
+to give you parched corn and dried meat for dinner, my braves. Nobody
+will want lamb and green peas after this splendid pow-wow,' said Mrs Jo,
+surveying the picturesque confusion of the long hall, where people lay
+about on the rugs, all more or less bedecked with feathers, moccasins,
+or beads.
+
+'Moose noses, buffalo tongues, bear steaks, and roasted marrow-bones
+would be the thing, but I don't mind a change; so bring on your baa-baa
+and green meat,' answered Dan from the box, where he sat in state like a
+chief among his tribe, with the great hound at his feet.
+
+The girls began to clear up, but made little headway; for everything
+they touched had a story, and all were thrilling, comical, or wild; so
+they found it hard to settle to their work, till Dan was carried off by
+Mr Laurie.
+
+This was the beginning of the summer holiday, and it was curious to see
+what a pleasant little stir Dan's and Emil's coming made in the quiet
+life of the studious community; for they seemed to bring a fresh breeze
+with them that enlivened everyone. Many of the collegians remained
+during vacation; and Plumfield and Parnassus did their best to make
+these days pleasant for them, since most came from distant States, were
+poor, and had few opportunities but this for culture or amusement. Emil
+was hail-fellow-well-met with men and maids, and went rollicking
+about in true sailor fashion; but Dan stood rather in awe of the 'fair
+girl-graduates', and was silent when among them, eyeing them as an eagle
+might a flock of doves. He got on better with the young men, and was
+their hero at once. Their admiration for his manly accomplishments did
+him good; because he felt his educational defects keenly, and often
+wondered if he could find anything in books to satisfy him as thoroughly
+as did the lessons he was learning from Nature's splendidly illustrated
+volume. In spite of his silence, the girls found out his good qualities,
+and regarded 'the Spaniard', as they named him, with great favour;
+for his black eyes were more eloquent than his tongue, and the kind
+creatures tried to show their friendly interests in many charming ways.
+
+He saw this, and endeavoured to be worthy of it--curbing his free
+speech, toning down his rough manners, and watching the effect of all he
+said and did, anxious to make a good impression. The social atmosphere
+warmed his lonely heart, the culture excited him to do his best, and the
+changes which had taken place during his absence, both in himself and
+others, made the old home seem like a new world. After the life in
+California, it was sweet and restful to be here, with these familiar
+faces round him, helping him to forget much that he regretted, and to
+resolve to deserve more entirely the confidence of these good fellows,
+the respect of these innocent girls.
+
+So there was riding, rowing, and picnicking by day, music, dancing, and
+plays by night; and everyone said there had not been so gay a vacation
+for years. Bess kept her promise, and let the dust gather on her beloved
+clay while she went pleasuring with her mates or studied music with her
+father, who rejoiced over the fresh roses in her cheeks and the laughter
+which chased away the dreamy look she used to wear. Josie quarrelled
+less with Ted; for Dan had a way of looking at her which quelled her
+instantly, and had almost as good an effect upon her rebellious cousin.
+But Octoo did even more for the lively youth, who found that her charms
+entirely eclipsed those of the bicycle which had been his heart's
+delight before. Early and late he rode this untiring beast, and began
+to gain flesh--to the great joy of his mother, who feared that her
+beanstalk was growing too fast for health.
+
+Demi, finding business dull, solaced his leisure by photographing
+everybody he could induce to sit or stand to him, producing some
+excellent pictures among many failures; for he had a pretty taste in
+grouping, and endless patience. He might be said to view the world
+through the lens of his camera, and seemed to enjoy himself very much
+squinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black cambric. Dan
+was a treasure to him; for he took well, and willingly posed in his
+Mexican costume, with horse and hound, and all wanted copies of these
+effective photographs. Bess, also, was a favourite sitter; and Demi
+received a prize at the Amateur Photographic Exhibition for one of his
+cousin with all her hair about her face, which rose from the cloud of
+white lace draping the shoulders. These were freely handed round by the
+proud artist; and one copy had a tender little history yet to be told.
+
+Nat was snatching every minute he could get with Daisy before the long
+parting; and Mrs Meg relented somewhat, feeling sure that absence would
+quite cure this unfortunate fancy. Daisy said little; but her gentle
+face was sad when she was alone, and a few quiet tears dropped on the
+handkerchiefs she marked so daintily with her own hair. She was sure Nat
+would not forget her; and life looked rather forlorn without the
+dear fellow who had been her friend since the days of patty-pans and
+confidences in the willow-tree. She was an old-fashioned daughter,
+dutiful and docile, with such love and reverence for her mother that her
+will was law; and if love was forbidden, friendship must suffice. So she
+kept her little sorrow to herself, smiled cheerfully at Nat, and made
+his last days of home-life very happy with every comfort and pleasure
+she could give, from sensible advice and sweet words to a well-filled
+work-bag for his bachelor establishment and a box of goodies for the
+voyage.
+
+Tom and Nan took all the time they could spare from their studies to
+enjoy high jinks at Plumfield with their old friends; for Emil's next
+voyage was to be a long one, Nat's absence was uncertain, and no one
+ever knew when Dan would turn up again. They all seemed to feel that
+life was beginning to grow serious; and even while they enjoyed those
+lovely summer days together they were conscious that they were children
+no longer, and often in the pauses of their fun talked soberly of their
+plans and hopes, as if anxious to know and help one another before they
+drifted farther apart on their different ways.
+
+A few weeks were all they had; then the Brenda was ready, Nat was to
+sail from New York, and Dan went along to see him off; for his own plans
+fermented in his head, and he was eager to be up and doing. A farewell
+dance was given on Parnassus in honour of the travellers, and all turned
+out in their best array and gayest spirits. George and Dolly came with
+the latest Harvard airs and graces, radiant to behold, in dress-suits
+and 'crushed hats', as Josie called the especial pride and joy of their
+boyish souls. Jack and Ned sent regrets and best wishes, and no one
+mourned their absence; for they were among what Mrs Jo called her
+failures. Poor Tom got into trouble, as usual, by deluging his head with
+some highly scented preparation in the vain hope of making his tight
+curls lie flat and smooth, as was the style. Unhappily, his rebellious
+crop only kinked the closer, and the odour of many barbers' shops clung
+to him in spite of his frantic efforts to banish it. Nan wouldn't allow
+him near her, and flapped her fan vigorously whenever he was in sight;
+which cut him to the heart, and made him feel like the Peri shut out
+from Paradise. Of course his mates jeered at him, and nothing but the
+unquenchable jollity of his nature kept him from despair.
+
+Emil was resplendent in his new uniform, and danced with an abandon
+which only sailors know. His pumps seemed to be everywhere, and his
+partners soon lost breath trying to keep up with him; but the girls
+all declared he steered like an angel, and in spite of his pace no
+collisions took place; so he was happy, and found no lack of damsels to
+ship with him.
+
+Having no dress-suit, Dan had been coaxed to wear his Mexican costume,
+and feeling at ease in the many-buttoned trousers, loose jacket, and gay
+sash, flung his serape over his shoulder with a flourish and looked
+his best, doing great execution with his long spurs, as he taught Josie
+strange steps or rolled his black eyes admiringly after certain blonde
+damsels whom he dared not address.
+
+The mammas sat in the alcove, supplying pins, smiles, and kindly words
+to all, especially the awkward youths new to such scenes, and the
+bashful girls conscious of faded muslins and cleaned gloves. It was
+pleasant to see stately Mrs Amy promenade on the arm of a tall country
+boy, with thick boots and a big forehead, or Mrs Jo dance like a girl
+with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump-handles, and whose face was
+scarlet with confusion and pride at the honour of treading on the toes
+of the president's wife. Mrs Meg always had room on her sofa for two
+or three girls, and Mr Laurie devoted himself to these plain, poorly
+dressed damsels with a kindly grace that won their hearts and made them
+happy. The good Professor circulated like refreshments, and his cheerful
+face shone on all alike, while Mr March discussed Greek comedy in the
+study with such serious gentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to
+frivolous joys.
+
+The long music-room, parlour, hall, and piazza were full of white-gowned
+maidens with attendant shadows; the air was full of lively voices,
+and hearts and feet went lightly together as the home band played
+vigorously, and the friendly moon did her best to add enchantment to the
+scene.
+
+'Pin me up, Meg; that dear Dunbar boy has nearly rent me “in sunder”, as
+Mr Peggotty would say. But didn't he enjoy himself, bumping against his
+fellow men and swinging me round like a mop. On these occasions I find
+that I'm not as young as I was, nor as light of foot. In ten years more
+we shall be meal-bags, sister; so be resigned.' And Mrs Jo subsided into
+a corner, much dishevelled by her benevolent exertions.
+
+'I know I shall be stout; but you won't keep still long enough to get
+much flesh on your bones, dear; and Amy will always keep her lovely
+figure. She looks about eighteen tonight, in her white gown and roses,'
+answered Meg, busily pinning up one sister's torn frills, while her eyes
+fondly followed the other's graceful movements; for Meg still adored Amy
+in the old fashion.
+
+It was one of the family jokes that Jo was getting fat, and she kept it
+up, though as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline, which was
+very becoming. They were laughing over the impending double chins, when
+Mr Laurie came off duty for a moment.
+
+'Repairing damages as usual, Jo? You never could take a little gentle
+exercise without returning in rags. Come and have a quiet stroll with me
+and cool off before supper. I've a series of pretty tableaux to show
+you while Meg listens to the raptures of lisping Miss Carr, whom I made
+happy by giving her Demi for a partner.'
+
+As he spoke, Laurie led Jo to the music-room, nearly empty now after a
+dance which sent the young people into garden and hall. Pausing before
+the first of the four long windows that opened on a very wide piazza, he
+pointed to a group outside, saying: 'The name of this is “Jack Ashore”.'
+
+A pair of long, blue legs, ending in very neat pumps, hung from the
+veranda roof among the vines; and roses, gathered by unseen hands,
+evidently appertaining to aforesaid legs, were being dropped into the
+laps of several girls perched like a flock of white birds on the railing
+below; while a manly voice 'fell like a falling star', as it sung this
+pensive ditty to a most appreciative audience:
+
+             MARY'S DREAM
+
+    The moon had climbed the eastern hill
+    Which rises o'er the sands of Dee,
+    And from its highest summit shed
+    A silver light on tower and tree,
+    When Mary laid her down to sleep
+    (Her thoughts on Sandy far at sea);
+    When soft and low a voice was heard,
+    Saying, 'Mary, weep no more for me.'
+
+    She from her pillow gently raised
+    Her head, to see who there might be,
+    And saw young Sandy, shivering stand
+    With visage pale and hollow e'e.
+    'Oh Mary dear, cold is my clay;
+    It lies beneath the stormy sea;
+    Far, far from thee, I sleep in death.
+    Dear Mary, weep no more for me.
+
+    'Three stormy nights and stormy days
+    We tossed upon the raging main.
+    And long we strove our bark to save;
+    But all our striving was in vain.
+    E'en then, when terror chilled my blood,
+    My heart was filled with love of thee.
+    The storm is past, and I'm at rest;
+    So, Mary, weep no more for me.
+
+    'Oh maiden dear, yourself prepare;
+    We soon shall meet upon that shore
+    Where love is free from doubt and care,
+    And you and I shall part no more.'
+    Loud crew the cock, the shadow fled;
+    No more her Sandy did she see;
+    But soft the passing spirit said,
+    'Sweet Mary, weep no more for me.'
+
+'The constant jollity of that boy is worth a fortune to him. He'll never
+sink with such a buoyant spirit to keep him afloat through life,' said
+Mrs Jo, as the roses were tossed back with much applause when the song
+ended.
+
+'Not he; and it's a blessing to be grateful for, isn't it? We moody
+people know its worth. Glad you like my first tableau. Come and see
+number two. Hope it isn't spoilt; it was very pretty just now. This is
+“Othello telling his adventures to Desdemona”.'
+
+The second window framed a very picturesque group of three. Mr March in
+an arm-chair, with Bess on a cushion at his feet, was listening to Dan,
+who, leaning against a pillar, was talking with unusual animation. The
+old man was in shadow, but little Desdemona was looking up with the
+moonlight full upon her into young Othello's face, quite absorbed in the
+story he was telling so well. The gay drapery over Dan's shoulder,
+his dark colouring, and the gesture of his arm made the picture very
+striking, and both spectators enjoyed it with silent pleasure, till Mrs
+Jo said in a quick whisper:
+
+'I'm glad he's going away. He's too picturesque to have here among so
+many romantic girls. Afraid his “grand, gloomy, and peculiar” style will
+be too much for our simple maids.'
+
+'No danger; Dan is in the rough as yet, and always will be, I fancy;
+though he is improving in many ways. How well Queenie looks in that soft
+light!'
+
+'Dear little Goldilocks looks well everywhere.' And with a backward
+glance full of pride and fondness, Mrs Jo went on. But that scene
+returned to her long afterward and her own prophetic words also.
+
+Number three was a tragical tableau at first sight; and Mr Laurie
+stifled a laugh as he whispered 'The Wounded Knight', pointing to Tom
+with his head enveloped in a large handkerchief, as he knelt before Nan,
+who was extracting a thorn or splinter from the palm of his hand
+with great skill, to judge from the patient's blissful expression of
+countenance.
+
+'Do I hurt you?' she asked, turning the hand to the moonlight for a
+better view.
+
+'Not a bit; dig away; I like it,' answered Tom, regardless of his aching
+knees and the damage done to his best trousers.
+
+'I won't keep you long.'
+
+'Hours, if you please. Never so happy as here.'
+
+Quite unmoved by this tender remark, Nan put on a pair of large,
+round-eyed glasses, saying in a matter-of-fact tone: 'Now I see it. Only
+a splinter, and there it is.
+
+'My hand is bleeding; won't you bind it up?' asked Tom, wishing to
+prolong the situation.
+
+'Nonsense; suck it. Only take care of it tomorrow if you dissect. Don't
+want any more blood-poisoning.'
+
+'That was the only time you were kind to me. Wish I'd lost my arm.'
+
+'I wish you'd lost your head; it smells more like turpentine and
+kerosene than ever. Do take a run in the garden and air it.'
+
+Fearing to betray themselves by laughter, the watchers went on, leaving
+the Knight to rush away in despair, and the Lady to bury her nose in the
+cup of a tall lily for refreshment.
+
+'Poor Tom, his fate is a hard one, and he's wasting his time! Do advise
+him to quit philandering and go to work, Jo.'
+
+'I have, Teddy, often; but it will take some great shock to make that
+boy wise. I wait with interest to see what it will be. Bless me! what is
+all this?'
+
+She might well ask; for on a rustic stool stood Ted trying to pose on
+one foot, with the other extended, and both hands waving in the air.
+Josie, with several young mates, was watching his contortions with deep
+interest as they talked about 'little wings', 'gilded wire twisted', and
+a 'cunning skull-cap'.
+
+'This might be called “Mercury Trying to Fly”,' said Mr Laurie, as they
+peeped through the lace curtains.
+
+'Bless the long legs of that boy! how does he expect to manage them?
+They are planning for the Owlsdark Marbles, and a nice muddle they will
+make of my gods and goddesses with no one to show them how,' answered
+Mrs Jo, enjoying this scene immensely. 'Now, he's got it!' 'That's
+perfectly splendid!' 'See how long you can keep so!' cried the girls, as
+Ted managed to maintain his equilibrium a moment by resting one toe
+on the trellis. Unfortunately this brought all his weight on the other
+foot; the straw seat of the stool gave way, and the flying Mercury
+came down with a crash, amid shrieks of laughter from the girls. Being
+accustomed to ground and lofty tumbling, he quickly recovered himself,
+and hopped gaily about, with one leg through the stool as he improvised
+a classic jig.
+
+'Thanks for four nice little pictures. You have given me an idea, and I
+think some time we will get up regular tableaux of this sort and march
+our company round a set of dissolving views. New and striking; I'll
+propose it to our manager and give you all the glory,' said Mrs Jo, as
+they strolled towards the room whence came the clash of glass and china,
+and glimpses of agitated black coats.
+
+Let us follow the example of our old friends and stroll about among the
+young people, eavesdropping, so gathering up various little threads to
+help in the weaving of the story. George and Dolly were at supper,
+and having served the ladies in their care stood in a corner absorbing
+nourishment of all kinds with a vain attempt to conceal hearty appetites
+under an air of elegant indifference.
+
+'Good spread, this; Laurence does things in style. First-rate coffee,
+but no wine, and that's a mistake,' said Stuffy, who still deserved his
+name, and was a stout youth with a heavy eye and bilious complexion.
+
+'Bad for boys, he says. Jove! wish he could see us at some of our wines.
+Don't we just “splice the main brace” as Emil says,' answered Dolly,
+the dandy, carefully spreading a napkin over the glossy expanse of
+shirt-front whereon a diamond stud shone like a lone star. His stutter
+was nearly outgrown; but he, as well as George, spoke in the tone of
+condescension, which, with the blase airs they assumed, made a very
+funny contrast to their youthful faces and foolish remarks. Good-hearted
+little fellows both, but top-heavy with the pride of being Sophs and the
+freedom that college life gave them.
+
+'Little Jo is getting to be a deuced pretty girl, isn't she?' said
+George, with a long sigh of satisfaction as his first mouthful of ice
+went slowly down his throat.
+
+'H'm--well, fairish. The Princess is rather more to my taste. I like 'em
+blonde and queenly and elegant, don't you know.'
+
+'Yes, Jo is too lively; might as well dance with a grasshopper.
+I've tried her, and she's one too many for me. Miss Perry is a nice,
+easy-going girl. Got her for the german.'
+
+'You'll never be a dancing man. Too lazy. Now I'll undertake to steer
+any girl and dance down any fellow you please. Dancing's my forte.' And
+Dolly glanced from his trim feet to his flashing gem with the defiant
+air of a young turkey-cock on parade.
+
+'Miss Grey is looking for you. Wants more grub. Just see if Miss
+Nelson's plate is empty, there's a good fellow. Can't eat ice in a
+hurry.' And George remained in his safe corner, while Dolly struggled
+through the crowd to do his duty, coming back in a fume, with a splash
+of salad dressing on his coat-cuff.
+
+'Confound these country chaps! they go blundering round like so many
+dor-bugs, and make a deuce of a mess. Better stick to books and not try
+to be society men. Can't do it. Beastly stain. Give it a rub, and let me
+bolt a mouthful, I'm starved. Never saw girls eat such a lot. It proves
+that they ought not to study so much. Never liked co-ed,' growled Dolly,
+much ruffled in spirit.
+
+'So they do. 'Tisn't ladylike. Ought to be satisfied with an ice and
+a bit of cake, and eat it prettily. Don't like to see a girl feed. We
+hard-working men need it, and, by Jove, I mean to get some more of that
+meringue if it's not all gone. Here, waiter! bring along that dish over
+there, and be lively,' commanded Stuffy, poking a young man in a rather
+shabby dress-suit, who was passing with a tray of glasses.
+
+His order was obeyed promptly; but George's appetite was taken away
+the next moment by Dolly's exclaiming, as he looked up from his damaged
+coat, with a scandalized face:
+
+'You've put your foot in it now, old boy! that's Morton, Mr Bhaer's
+crack man. Knows everything, no end of a “dig”, and bound to carry off
+all the honours. You won't hear the last of it in a hurry.' And Dolly
+laughed so heartily that a spoonful of ice flew upon the head of a lady
+sitting below him, and got him into a scrape also.
+
+Leaving them to their despair, let us listen to the whispered chat of
+two girls comfortably seated in a recess waiting till their escorts were
+fed.
+
+'I do think the Laurences give lovely parties. Don't you enjoy them?'
+asked the younger, looking about her with the eager air of one unused to
+this sort of pleasure.
+
+'Very much, only I never feel as if I was dressed right. My things
+seemed elegant at home, and I thought I'd be over over-dressed if
+anything; but I look countrified and dowdy here. No time or money to
+change now, even if I knew how to do it,' answered the other, glancing
+anxiously at her bright pink silk grown, trimmed with cheap lace.
+
+'You must get Mrs Brooke to tell you how to fix your things. She was
+very kind to me. I had a green silk, and it looked so cheap and horrid
+by the side of the nice dresses here I felt regularly unhappy about it,
+and asked her how much a dress like one Mrs Laurence had would cost.
+That looked so simple and elegant I thought it wouldn't be costly; but
+it was India mull and Valenciennes lace, so, of course, I couldn't have
+it. Then Mrs Brooke said: “Get some muslin to cover the green silk, and
+wear hops or some white flowers, instead of pink, in your hair, and you
+will have a pretty suit.” Isn't it lovely and becoming?' And Miss Burton
+surveyed herself with girlish satisfaction; for a little taste had
+softened the harsh green, and hop-bells became her red hair better than
+roses.
+
+'It's sweet: I've been admiring it. I'll do mine so and ask about my
+purple one. Mrs Brooke has helped me to get rid of my headaches, and
+Mary Clay's dyspepsia is all gone since she gave up coffee and hot
+bread.'
+
+'Mrs Laurence advised me to walk and run and use the gymnasium to cure
+my round shoulders and open my chest, and I'm a much better figure than
+I was.'
+
+'Did you know that Mr Laurence pays all Amelia Merrill's bills? Her
+father failed, and she was heartbroken at having to leave college; but
+that splendid man just stepped in and made it all right.' 'Yes, and
+Professor Bhaer has several of the boys down at his house evenings to
+help them along so they can keep up with the rest; and Mrs Bhaer took
+care of Charles Mackey herself when he had a fever last year. I do think
+they are the best and kindest people in the world.'
+
+'So do I, and my time here will be the happiest and most useful years of
+my life.'
+
+And both girls forgot their gowns and their suppers for a moment to look
+with grateful, affectionate eyes at the friends who tried to care for
+bodies and for souls as well as minds.
+
+Now come to a lively party supping on the stairs, girls like foam at
+the top, and a substratum of youths below, where the heaviest particles
+always settle. Emil, who never sat if he could climb or perch, adorned
+the newel-post; Tom, Nat, Demi, and Dan were camped on the steps, eating
+busily, as their ladies were well served and they had earned a moment's
+rest, which they enjoyed with their eyes fixed on the pleasing prospect
+above them.
+
+'I'm so sorry the boys are going. It will be dreadfully dull without
+them. Now they have stopped teasing and are polite, I really enjoy
+them,' said Nan, who felt unusually gracious tonight as Tom's mishap
+kept him from annoying her.
+
+'So do I; and Bess was mourning about it today, though as a general
+thing she doesn't like boys unless they are models of elegance. She has
+been doing Dan's head, and it is not quite finished. I never saw her so
+interested in any work, and it's very well done. He is so striking and
+big he always makes me think of the Dying Gladiator or some of those
+antique creatures. There's Bess now. Dear child, how sweet she looks
+tonight!' answered Daisy, waving her hand as the Princess went by with
+Grandpa on her arm.
+
+'I never thought he would turn out so well. Don't you remember how we
+used to call him “the bad boy” and be sure he would become a pirate or
+something awful because he glared at us and swore sometimes? Now he is
+the handsomest of all the boys, and very entertaining with his stories
+and plans. I like him very much; he's so big and strong and independent.
+I'm tired of mollycoddles and book-worms,' said Nan in her decided way.
+
+'Not handsomer that Nat!' cried loyal Daisy, contrasting two faces
+below, one unusually gay, the other sentimentally sober even in the
+act of munching cake. 'I like Dan, and am glad he is doing well; but
+he tires me, and I'm still a little afraid of him. Quiet people suit me
+best.'
+
+'Life is a fight, and I like a good soldier. Boys take things too
+easily, don't see how serious it all is and go to work in earnest. Look
+at that absurd Tom, wasting his time and making an object of himself
+just because he can't have what he wants, like a baby crying for the
+moon. I've no patience with such nonsense,' scolded Nan, looking down at
+the jovial Thomas, who was playfully putting macaroons in Emil's shoes,
+and trying to beguile his exile as best he could.
+
+'Most girls would be touched by such fidelity. I think it's beautiful,'
+said Daisy behind her fan; for other girls sat just below.
+
+'You are a sentimental goose and not a judge. Nat will be twice the man
+when he comes back after his trip. I wish Tom was going with him. My
+idea is that if we girls have any influence we should use it for the
+good of these boys, and not pamper them up, making slaves of ourselves
+and tyrants of them. Let them prove what they can do and be before they
+ask anything of us, and give us a chance to do the same. Then we know
+where we are, and shall not make mistakes to mourn over all our lives.'
+
+'Hear, hear!' cried Alice Heath, who was a girl after Nan's own heart,
+and had chosen a career, like a brave and sensible young woman. 'Only
+give us a chance, and have patience till we can do our best. Now we are
+expected to be as wise as men who have had generations of all the help
+there is, and we scarcely anything. Let us have equal opportunities, and
+in a few generations we will see what the judgement is. I like justice,
+and we get very little of it.'
+
+'Still shouting the battle-cry of freedom?' asked Demi, peering through
+the banisters at this moment. 'Up with your flag! I'll stand by and lend
+a hand if you want it. With you and Nan to lead the van, I think you
+won't need much help.'
+
+'You are a great comfort, Demi, and I'll call on you in all emergencies;
+for you are an honest boy, and don't forget that you owe much to your
+mother and your sisters and your aunts,' continued Nan. 'I do like men
+who come out frankly and own that they are not gods. How can we think
+them so when such awful mistakes are being made all the time by these
+great creatures? See them sick, as I do, then you know them.'
+
+'Don't hit us when we are down; be merciful, and set us up to bless and
+believe in you evermore,' pleaded Demi from behind the bars.
+
+'We'll be kind to you if you will be just to us. I don't say generous,
+only just. I went to a suffrage debate in the Legislature last winter;
+and of all the feeble, vulgar twaddle I ever heard, that was the worst;
+and those men were our representatives. I blushed for them, and the
+wives and mothers. I want an intelligent man to represent me, if I can't
+do it myself, not a fool.'
+
+'Nan is on the stump. Now we shall catch it,' cried Tom, putting up
+an umbrella to shield his unhappy head; for Nan's earnest voice was
+audible, and her indignant eye happened to rest on him as she spoke.
+
+'Go on, go on! I'll take notes, and put in “great applause” liberally,'
+added Demi, producing his ball-book and pencil, with his Jenkins air.
+
+Daisy pinched his nose through the bars, and the meeting was rather
+tumultuous for a moment, for Emil called: 'Avast, avast, here's a squall
+to wind'ard'; Tom applauded wildly; Dan looked up as if the prospect of
+a fight, even with words, pleased him, and Nat went to support Demi,
+as his position seemed to be a good one. At this crisis, when everyone
+laughed and talked at once, Bess came floating through the upper hall
+and looked down like an angel of peace upon the noisy group below, as
+she asked, with wondering eyes and smiling lips:
+
+'What is it?'
+
+'An indignation meeting. Nan and Alice are on the rampage, and we are at
+the bar to be tried for our lives. Will Your Highness preside and judge
+between us?' answered Demi, as a lull at once took place; for no one
+rioted in the presence of the Princess.
+
+'I'm not wise enough. I'll sit here and listen. Please go on.' And Bess
+took her place above them all as cool and calm as a little statue of
+Justice, with fan and nosegay in place of sword and scales.
+
+'Now, ladies, free your minds, only spare us till morning; for we've
+got a german to dance as soon as everyone is fed, and Parnassus expects
+every man to do his duty. Mrs President Giddy-gaddy has the floor,'
+said Demi, who liked this sort of fun better than the very mild sort of
+flirtation which was allowed at Plumfield, for the simple reason that it
+could not be entirely banished, and is a part of all education, co- or
+otherwise.
+
+'I have only one thing to say, and it is this,' began Nan soberly,
+though her eyes sparkled with a mixture of fun and earnestness. 'I want
+to ask every boy of you what you really think on this subject. Dan and
+Emil have seen the world and ought to know their own minds. Tom and Nat
+have had five examples before them for years. Demi is ours and we are
+proud of him. So is Rob. Ted is a weathercock, and Dolly and George,
+of course, are fogies in spite of the Annex, and girls at Girton going
+ahead of the men. Commodore, are you ready for the question?'
+
+'Ay, ay, skipper.'
+
+'Do you believe in Woman's Suffrage?'
+
+'Bless your pretty figger head! I do, and I'll ship a crew of girls any
+time you say so. Aren't they worse than a press-gang to carry a fellow
+out of his moorings? Don't we all need one as pilot to steer us safe to
+port? and why shouldn't they share our mess afloat and ashore since we
+are sure to be wrecked without 'em?'
+
+'Good for you, Emil! Nan will take you for first mate after that
+handsome speech,' said Demi, as the girls applauded, and Tom glowered.
+'Now, Dan, you love liberty so well yourself, are you willing we should
+have it?'
+
+'All you can get, and I'll fight any man who's mean enough to say you
+don't deserve it.'
+
+This brief and forcible reply delighted the energetic President, and she
+beamed upon the member from California, as she said briskly:
+
+'Nat wouldn't dare to say he was on the other side even if he were, but
+I hope he has made up his mind to pipe for us, at least when we take the
+field, and not be one of those who wait till the battle is won, and then
+beat the drums and share the glory.'
+
+Mrs Giddy-gaddy's doubts were most effectually removed, and her sharp
+speech regretted, as Nat looked up blushing, but with a new sort of
+manliness in face and manner, saying, in a tone that touched them all:
+
+'I should be the most ungrateful fellow alive if I did not love,
+honour, and serve women with all my heart and might, for to them I owe
+everything I am or ever shall be.'
+
+Daisy clapped her hands, and Bess threw her bouquet into Nat's lap,
+while the other girls waved their fans, well pleased; for real feeling
+made his little speech eloquent.
+
+'Thomas B. Bangs, come into court, and tell the truth, the whole truth,
+and nothing but the truth, if you can,' commanded Nan, with a rap to
+call the meeting to order.
+
+Tom shut the umbrella, and standing up raised his hand, saying solemnly:
+
+'I believe in suffrage of all kinds. I adore all women, and will die for
+them at any moment if it will help the cause.'
+
+'Living and working for it is harder, and therefore more honourable. Men
+are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having.
+Cheap sentiment and bad logic. You will pass, Tom, only don't twaddle.
+Now, having taken the sense of the meeting we will adjourn, as the hour
+for festive gymnastics has arrived. I am glad to see that old Plum
+has given six true men to the world, and hope they will continue to be
+staunch to her and the principles she has taught them, wherever they may
+go. Now, girls, don't sit in draughts, and, boys, beware of ice-water
+when you are warm.'
+
+With this characteristic close Nan retired from office, and the girls
+went to enjoy one of the few rights allowed them.
+
+
+
+Chapter 6. LAST WORDS
+
+The next day was Sunday, and a goodly troop of young and old set forth
+to church.--some driving, some walking, all enjoying the lovely weather
+and the happy quietude which comes to refresh us when the work and worry
+of the week are over. Daisy had a headache; and Aunt Jo remained at home
+to keep her company, knowing very well that the worst ache was in the
+tender heart struggling dutifully against the love that grew stronger as
+the parting drew nearer.
+
+'Daisy knows my wishes, and I trust her. You must keep an eye on Nat,
+and let him clearly understand that there is to be no “lovering”, or
+I shall forbid the letter-writing. I hate to seem cruel, but it is too
+soon for my dear girl to bind herself in any way,' said Mrs Meg, as she
+rustled about in her best grey silk, while waiting for Demi, who always
+escorted his pious mother to church as a peace-offering for crossing her
+wishes in other things.
+
+'I will, dear; I'm lying in wait for all three boys today, like an old
+spider; and I will have a good talk with each. They know I understand
+them, and they always open their hearts sooner or later. You look like a
+nice, plump little Quakeress, Meg; and no one will believe that big
+boy is your son,' added Mrs Jo, as Demi came in shining with Sunday
+neatness, from his well-blacked boots to his smooth brown head.
+
+'You flatter me, to soften my heart toward your boy. I know your ways,
+Jo, and I don't give in. Be firm, and spare me a scene by and by. As for
+John, as long as he is satisfied with his old mother, I don't care what
+people think,' answered Mrs Meg, accepting with a smile the little posy
+of sweet peas and mignonette Demi brought her.
+
+Then, having buttoned her dove-coloured gloves with care, she took her
+son's arm and went proudly away to the carriage, where Amy and Bess
+waited, while Jo called after them, just as Marmee used to do:
+
+'Girls, have you got nice pocket-handkerchiefs?' They all smiled at
+the familiar words, and three white banners waved as they drove away,
+leaving the spider to watch for her first fly. She did not wait long.
+Daisy was lying down with a wet cheek on the little hymnbook out of
+which she and Nat used to sing together; so Mrs Jo strolled about
+the lawn, looking very like a wandering mushroom with her large buff
+umbrella.
+
+Dan had gone for a ten-mile stroll; and Nat was supposed to have
+accompanied him, but presently came sneaking back, unable to tear
+himself away from the Dovecote or lose a moment of nearness to his idol
+that last day. Mrs Jo saw him at once, and beckoned him to a rustic seat
+under the old elm, where they could have their confidences undisturbed,
+and both keep an eye on a certain white-curtained window, half hidden in
+vines.
+
+'Nice and cool here. I'm not up to one of Dan's tramps today--it's so
+warm, and he goes so like a steam-engine. He headed for the swamp where
+his pet snakes used to live, and I begged to be excused,' said Nat,
+fanning himself with his straw hat, though the day was not oppressive.
+
+'I'm glad you did. Sit and rest with me, and have one of our good old
+talks. We've both been so busy lately, I feel as if I didn't half know
+your plans; and I want to,' answered Mrs Jo, feeling sure that though
+they might start with Leipzig they would bring up at Plumfield.
+
+'You are very kind, and there's nothing I'd like better. I don't realize
+I'm going so far--suppose I shan't till I get afloat. It's a splendid
+start, and I don't know how I can ever thank Mr Laurie for all he's
+done, or you either,' added Nat, with a break in his voice; for he was a
+tender-hearted fellow, and never forgot a kindness.
+
+'You can thank us beautifully by being and doing all we hope and expect
+of you, my dear. In the new life you are going to there will be a
+thousand trials and temptations, and only your own wit and wisdom to
+rely on. That will be the time to test the principles we have tried
+to give you, and see how firm they are. Of course, you will make
+mistakes--we all do; but don't let go of your conscience and drift along
+blindly. Watch and pray, dear Nat; and while your hand gains skill, let
+your head grow wiser, and keep your heart as innocent and warm as it is
+now.'
+
+'I'll try, Mother Bhaer, my very best to be a credit to you. I know I
+shall improve in my music--can't help it there; but I never shall be
+very wise, I'm afraid. As for my heart, you know, I leave it behind me
+in good keeping.'
+
+As he spoke, Nat's eyes were fixed on the window with a look of love and
+longing that made his quiet face both manly and sad--plainly showing how
+strong a hold this boyish affection had upon him.
+
+'I want to speak of that; and I know you will forgive what seems hard,
+because I do most heartily sympathize with you,' said Mrs Jo, glad to
+have her say.
+
+'Yes, do talk about Daisy! I think of nothing but leaving and losing
+her. I have no hope--I suppose it is too much to ask; only I can't help
+loving her, wherever I am!' cried Nat, with a mixture of defiance and
+despair in his face that rather startled Mrs Jo.
+
+'Listen to me and I'll try to give you both comfort and good advice. We
+all know that Daisy is fond of you, but her mother objects, and being a
+good girl she tries to obey. Young people think they never can change,
+but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken
+hearts.' Mrs Jo smiled as she remembered another boy whom she had once
+tried to comfort, and then went soberly on while Nat listened as if his
+fate hung upon her lips.
+
+'One of two things will happen. You will find someone else to love,
+or, better still, be so busy and happy in your music that you will be
+willing to wait for time to settle the matter for you both. Daisy will
+perhaps forget when you are gone, and be glad you are only friends. At
+any rate it is much wiser to have no promises made; then both are free,
+and in a year or two may meet to laugh over the little romance nipped in
+the bud.'
+
+'Do you honestly think that?' asked Nat, looking at her so keenly that
+the truth had to come; for all his heart was in those frank blue eyes of
+his.
+
+'No, I don't!' answered Mrs Jo. 'Then if you were in my place, what
+would you do?' he added, with a tone of command never heard in his
+gentle voice before.
+
+'Bless me! the boy is in dead earnest, and I shall forget prudence
+in sympathy I'm afraid,' thought Mrs Jo, surprised and pleased by the
+unexpected manliness Nat showed.
+
+'I'll tell you what I should do. I'd say to myself:
+
+“I'll prove that my love is strong and faithful, and make Daisy's
+mother proud to give her to me by being not only a good musician but an
+excellent man, and so command respect and confidence. This I will try
+for; and if I fail, I shall be the better for the effort, and find
+comfort in the thought that I did my best for her sake.”'
+
+'That is what I meant to do. But I wanted a word of hope to give me
+courage,' cried Nat, firing up as if the smouldering spark was set
+ablaze by a breath of encouragement. 'Other fellows, poorer and stupider
+than I, have done great things and come to honour. Why may not I, though
+I'm nothing now? I know Mrs Brooke remembers what I came from, but my
+father was honest though everything went wrong; and I have nothing to
+be ashamed of though I was a charity boy. I never will be ashamed of my
+people or myself, and I'll make other folks respect me if I can.'
+
+'Good! that's the right spirit, Nat. Hold to it and make yourself a man.
+No one will be quicker to see and admire the brave work than my sister
+Meg. She does not despise your poverty or your past; but mothers are
+very tender over their daughters, and we Marches, though we have been
+poor, are, I confess, a little proud of our good family. We don't care
+for money; but a long line of virtuous ancestors is something to desire
+and to be proud of.'
+
+'Well, the Blakes are a good lot. I looked 'em up, and not one was
+ever in prison, hanged, or disgraced in any way. We used to be rich and
+honoured years ago, but we've died out and got poor, and father was a
+street musician rather than beg; and I'll be one again before I'll do
+the mean things some men do and pass muster.'
+
+Nat was so excited that Mrs Jo indulged in a laugh to calm him, and both
+went on more quietly.
+
+'I told my sister all that and it pleased her. I am sure if you do well
+these next few years that she will relent and all be happily settled,
+unless that wonderful change, which you don't believe possible, should
+occur. Now, cheer up; don't be lackadaisical and blue. Say good-bye
+cheerfully and bravely, show a manly front, and leave a pleasant memory
+behind you. We all wish you well and hope much for you. Write to me
+every week and I'll send a good, gossipy answer. Be careful what you
+write to Daisy; don't gush or wail, for sister Meg will see the letters;
+and you can help your cause very much by sending sensible, cheery
+accounts of your life to us all.'
+
+'I will; I will; it looks brighter and better already, and I won't lose
+my one comfort by any fault of my own. Thank you so much, Mother Bhaer,
+for taking my side. I felt so ungrateful and mean and crushed when I
+thought you all considered me a sneak who had no business to love such
+a precious girl as Daisy. No one said anything, but I knew how you felt,
+and that Mr Laurie sent me off partly to get me out of the way. Oh dear,
+life is pretty tough sometimes, isn't it?' And Nat took his head in both
+hands as if it ached with the confusion of hopes and fears, passions and
+plans that proved boyhood was past and manhood had begun.
+
+'Very tough, but it is that very struggle with obstacles which does us
+good. Things have been made easy for you in many ways, but no one can do
+everything. You must paddle your own canoe now, and learn to avoid the
+rapids and steer straight to the port you want to reach. I don't know
+just what your temptations will be for you have no bad habits and seem
+to love music so well, nothing can lure you from it. I only hope you
+won't work too hard.'
+
+'I feel as if I could work like a horse, I'm so eager to get on; but
+I'll take care. Can't waste time being sick, and you've given me doses
+enough to keep me all right, I guess.' Nat laughed as he remembered
+the book of directions Mrs Jo had written for him to consult on all
+occasions.
+
+She immediately added some verbal ones on the subject of foreign messes,
+and having mounted one of her pet hobbies, was in full gallop when Emil
+was seen strolling about on the roof of the old house, that being his
+favourite promenade; for there he could fancy himself walking the deck,
+with only blue sky and fresh air about him.
+
+'I want a word with the Commodore, and up there we shall be nice and
+quiet. Go and play to Daisy: it will put her to sleep and do you both
+good. Sit in the porch, so I can keep an eye on you as I promised'; and
+with a motherly pat on the shoulder Mrs Jo left Nat to his delightful
+task and briskly ascended to the house-top, not up the trellis as of old
+but by means of the stairs inside.
+
+Emerging on the platform she found Emil cutting his initials afresh in
+the wood-work and singing 'Pull for the Shore', like the tuneful mariner
+he was.
+
+'Come aboard and make yourself at home, Aunty,' he said, with a playful
+salute. 'I'm just leaving a P.P.C. in the old place, so when you fly up
+here for refuge you'll remember me.'
+
+'Ah, my dear, I'm not likely to forget you. It doesn't need E. B. H. cut
+on all the trees and railings to remind me of my sailor boy'; and Mrs Jo
+took the seat nearest the blue figure astride the balustrade, not quite
+sure how to begin the little sermon she wanted to preach.
+
+'Well, you don't pipe your eye and look squally when I sheer off as you
+used to, and that's a comfort. I like to leave port in fair weather and
+have a jolly send-off all round. Specially this time, for it will be a
+year or more before we drop anchor here again,' answered Emil, pushing
+his cap back, and glancing about him as if he loved old Plum and would
+be sorry never to see it any more.
+
+'You have salt water enough without my adding to it. I'm going to be
+quite a Spartan mother, and send my sons to battle with no wailing, only
+the command:
+
+“With your shield or on it”,' said Mrs Jo cheerfully, adding after a
+pause: 'I often wish I could go too, and some day I will, when you are
+captain and have a ship of your own--as I've no doubt you will before
+long, with Uncle Herman to push you on.'
+
+'When I do I'll christen her the Jolly Jo and take you as first mate.
+It would be regular larks to have you aboard, and I'd be a proud man to
+carry you round the world you've wanted to see so long and never could,'
+answered Emil, caught at once by this splendid vision.
+
+'I'll make my first voyage with you and enjoy myself immensely in spite
+of seasickness and all the stormy winds that blow. I've always thought
+I'd like to see a wreck, a nice safe one with all saved after great
+danger and heroic deeds, while we clung like Mr Pillicoddy to main-top
+jibs and lee scuppers.'
+
+'No wrecks yet, ma'am, but we'll try to accommodate customers. Captain
+says I'm a lucky dog and bring fair weather, so we'll save the dirty
+weather for you if you want it,' laughed Emil, digging at the ship in
+full sail which he was adding to his design.
+
+'Thanks, I hope you will. This long voyage will give you new
+experiences, and being an officer, you will have new duties and
+responsibilities. Are you ready for them? You take everything so gaily,
+I've been wondering if you realized that now you will have not only to
+obey but to command also, and power is a dangerous thing. Be careful
+that you don't abuse it or let it make a tyrant of you.'
+
+'Right you are, ma'am. I've seen plenty of that, and have got my
+bearings pretty well, I guess. I shan't have very wide swing with Peters
+over me, but I'll see that the boys don't get abused when he's bowsed up
+his jib. No right to speak before, but now I won't stand it.'
+
+'That sounds mysteriously awful; could I ask what nautical torture
+“bowsing jibs” is?' asked Mrs Jo, in a tone of deep interest.
+
+'Getting drunk. Peters can hold more grog than any man I ever saw; he
+keeps right side up, but is as savage as a norther, and makes things
+lively all round. I've seen him knock a fellow down with a belaying pin,
+and couldn't lend a hand. Better luck now, I hope.' And Emil frowned as
+if he already trod the quarter-deck, lord of all he surveyed.
+
+'Don't get into trouble, for even Uncle Herman's favour won't cover
+insubordination, you know. You have proved yourself a good sailor; now
+be a good officer, which is a harder thing, I fancy. It takes a fine
+character to rule justly and kindly; you will have to put by your boyish
+ways and remember your dignity. That will be excellent training for you,
+Emil, and sober you down a bit. No more skylarking except here, so mind
+your ways, and do honour to your buttons,' said Mrs Jo, tapping one
+of the very bright brass ones that ornamented the new suit Emil was so
+proud of.
+
+'I'll do my best. I know my time for skirmshander (chaff) is over, and
+I must steer a straighter course; but don't you fear, Jack ashore is a
+very different craft from what he is with blue water under his keel. I
+had a long talk with Uncle last night and got my orders; I won't forget
+'em nor all I owe him. As for you, I'll name my first ship as I say, and
+have your bust for the figurehead, see if I don't,' and Emil gave his
+aunt a hearty kiss to seal the vow, which proceeding much amused Nat,
+playing softly in the porch of the Dovecote.
+
+'You do me proud, Captain. But, dear, I want to say one thing and then
+I'm done; for you don't need much advice of mine after my good man has
+spoken. I read somewhere that every inch of rope used in the British
+Navy has a strand of red in it, so that wherever a bit of it is found
+it is known. That is the text of my little sermon to you. Virtue, which
+means honour, honesty, courage, and all that makes character, is the
+red thread that marks a good man wherever he is. Keep that always and
+everywhere, so that even if wrecked by misfortune, that sign shall still
+be found and recognized. Yours is a rough life, and your mates not all
+we could wish, but you can be a gentleman in the true sense of the word;
+and no matter what happens to your body, keep your soul clean, your
+heart true to those who love you, and do your duty to the end.'
+
+As she spoke Emil had risen and stood listening with his cap off and a
+grave, bright look as if taking orders from a superior officer; when she
+ended, he answered briefly, but heartily:
+
+'Please God, I will!'
+
+'That's all; I have little fear for you, but one never knows when or how
+the weak moment may come, and sometimes a chance word helps us, as so
+many my dear mother spoke come back to me now for my own comfort and the
+guidance of my boys,' said Mrs Jo, rising; for the words had been said
+and no more were needed.
+
+'I've stored 'em up and know where to find 'em when wanted. Often and
+often in my watch I've seen old Plum, and heard you and Uncle talking
+so plainly, I'd have sworn I was here. It is a rough life, Aunty, but
+a wholesome one if a fellow loves it as I do, and has an anchor to
+windward as I have. Don't worry about me, and I'll come home next year
+with a chest of tea that will cheer your heart and give you ideas enough
+for a dozen novels. Going below? All right, steady in the gangway! I'll
+be along by the time you've got out the cake-box. Last chance for a good
+old lunch ashore.'
+
+Mrs Jo descended laughing, and Emil finished his ship whistling
+cheerfully, neither dreaming when and where this little chat on the
+house-top would return to the memory of one of them.
+
+Dan was harder to catch, and not until evening did a quiet moment come
+in that busy family; when, while the rest were roaming about, Mrs Jo sat
+down to read in the study, and presently Dan looked in at the window.
+
+'Come and rest after your long tramp; you must be tired,' she called,
+with an inviting nod towards the big sofa where so many boys had
+reposed--as much as that active animal ever does.
+
+'Afraid I shall disturb you'; but Dan looked as if he wanted to stay his
+restless feet somewhere.
+
+'Not a bit; I'm always ready to talk, shouldn't be a woman if I were
+not,' laughed Mrs Jo, as Dan swung himself in and sat down with an air
+of contentment very pleasant to see.
+
+'Last day is over, yet somehow I don't seem to hanker to be off.
+Generally, I'm rather anxious to cut loose after a short stop. Odd,
+ain't it?' asked Dan, gravely picking grass and leaves out of his hair
+and beard; for he had been lying on the grass, thinking many thoughts in
+the quiet summer night.
+
+'Not at all; you are beginning to get civilized. It's a good sign, and
+I'm glad to see it,' answered Mrs Jo promptly. 'You've had your swing,
+and want a change. Hope the farming will give it to you, though helping
+the Indians pleases me more: it is so much better to work for others
+than for one's self alone.'
+
+'So 'tis,' assented Dan heartily. 'I seem to want to root somewhere
+and have folks of my own to take care of. Tired of my own company, I
+suppose, now I've seen so much better. I'm a rough, ignorant lot, and
+I've been thinking maybe I've missed it loafing round creation, instead
+of going in for education as the other chaps did. Hey?'
+
+He looked anxiously at Mrs Jo; and she tried to hide the surprise this
+new outburst caused her; for till now Dan had scorned books and gloried
+in his freedom.
+
+'No; I don't think so in your case. So far I'm sure the free life was
+best. Now that you are a man you can control that lawless nature better;
+but as a boy only great activity and much adventure could keep you out
+of mischief. Time is taming my colt, you see, and I shall yet be proud
+of him, whether he makes a pack-horse of himself to carry help to the
+starving or goes to ploughing as Pegasus did.'
+
+Dan liked the comparison, and smiled as he lounged in the sofa-corner,
+with the new thoughtfulness in his eyes.
+
+'Glad you think so. The fact is it's going to take a heap of taming to
+make me go well in harness anywhere. I want to, and I try now and then,
+but always kick over the traces and run away. No lives lost yet; but I
+shouldn't wonder if there was some time, and a general smash-up.'
+
+'Why, Dan, did you have any dangerous adventures during this last
+absence? I fancied so, but didn't ask before, knowing you'd tell me if I
+could help in any way. Can I?' And Mrs Jo looked anxiously at him; for a
+sudden lowering expression had come into his face, and he leaned forward
+as if to hide it.
+
+'Nothing very bad; but 'Frisco isn't just a heaven on earth, you know,
+and it's harder to be a saint there than here,' he answered slowly;
+then, as if he had made up his mind to ''fess', as the children used to
+say, he sat up, and added rapidly, in a half-defiant, half-shamefaced
+way, 'I tried gambling, and it wasn't good for me.'
+
+'Was that how you made your money?'
+
+'Not a penny of it! That's all honest, if speculation isn't a bigger
+sort of gambling. I won a lot; but I lost or gave it away, and cut the
+whole concern before it got the better of me.'
+
+'Thank heaven for that! Don't try it again; it may have the terrible
+fascination for you it has for so many. Keep to your mountains and
+prairies, and shun cities, if these things tempt you, Dan. Better lose
+your life than your soul, and one such passion leads to worse sins, as
+you know better than I.'
+
+Dan nodded, and seeing how troubled she was, said, in a lighter tone,
+though still the shadow of that past experience remained:
+
+'Don't be scared; I'm all right now; and a burnt dog dreads the fire. I
+don't drink, or do the things you dread; don't care for 'em; but I
+get excited, and then this devilish temper of mine is more than I can
+manage. Fighting a moose or a buffalo is all right; but when you pitch
+into a man, no matter how great a scamp he is, you've got to look out.
+I shall kill someone some day; that's all I'm afraid of. I do hate a
+sneak!' And Dan brought his fist down on the table with a blow that made
+the lamp totter and the books skip.
+
+'That always was your trial, Dan, and I can sympathize with you; for
+I've been trying to govern my own temper all my life, and haven't learnt
+yet,' said Mrs Jo, with a sigh. 'For heaven's sake, guard your demon
+well, and don't let a moment's fury ruin all your life. As I said to
+Nat, watch and pray, my dear boy. There is no other help or hope for
+human weakness but God's love and patience.'
+
+Tears were in Mrs Jo's eyes as she spoke; for she felt this deeply, and
+knew how hard a task it is to rule these bosom sins of ours. Dan looked
+touched, also uncomfortable, as he always did when religion of any sort
+was mentioned, though he had a simple creed of his own, and tried to
+live up to it in his blind way.
+
+'I don't do much praying; don't seem to come handy to me; but I can
+watch like a redskin, only it's easier to mount guard over a lurking
+grizzly than my own cursed temper. It's that I'm afraid of, if I settle
+down. I can get on with wild beasts first-rate; but men rile me awfully,
+and I can't take it out in a free fight, as I can with a bear or a
+wolf. Guess I'd better head for the Rockies, and stay there a spell
+longer--till I'm tame enough for decent folks, if I ever am.' And Dan
+leaned his rough head on his hands in a despondent attitude.
+
+'Try my sort of help, and don't give up. Read more, study a little, and
+try to meet a better class of people, who won't “rile”, but soothe and
+strengthen you. We don't make you savage, I'm sure; for you have been as
+meek as a lamb, and made us very happy.'
+
+'Glad of it; but I've felt like a hawk in a hen-house all the same,
+and wanted to pounce and tear more than once. Not so much as I used,
+though,' added Dan, after a short laugh at Mrs Jo's surprised face.
+'I'll try your plan, and keep good company this bout if I can; but a man
+can't pick and choose, knocking about as I do.'
+
+'Yes, you can this time; for you are going on a peaceful errand and can
+keep clear of temptation if you try. Take some books and read; that's
+an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right
+sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs Jo made a bee-line to the
+well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of
+her life.
+
+'Give me travels and stories, please; don't want any pious works, can't
+seem to relish 'em, and won't pretend I do,' said Dan, following to look
+over her head with small favour at the long lines of well-worn volumes.
+
+Mrs Jo turned short round, and putting a hand on either broad shoulder,
+looked him in the eye, saying soberly:
+
+'Now, Dan, see here; never sneer at good things or pretend to be worse
+than you are. Don't let false shame make you neglect the religion
+without which no man can live. You needn't talk about it if you don't
+like, but don't shut your heart to it in whatever shape it comes. Nature
+is your God now; she has done much for you; let her do more, and lead
+you to know and love a wiser and more tender teacher, friend, and
+comforter than she can ever be. That is your only hope; don't throw it
+away, and waste time; for sooner or later you will feel the need of Him,
+and He will come to you and hold you up when all other help fails.'
+
+Dan stood motionless, and let her read in his softened eyes the dumb
+desire that lived in his heart, though he had no words to tell it,
+and only permitted her to catch a glimpse of the divine spark which
+smoulders or burns clearly in every human soul. He did not speak; and
+glad to be spared some answer which should belie his real feelings, Mrs
+Jo hastened to say, with her most motherly smile:
+
+'I saw in your room the little Bible I gave you long ago; it was well
+worn outside, but fresh within, as if not much read. Will you promise me
+to read a little once a week, dear, for my sake? Sunday is a quiet day
+everywhere, and this book is never old nor out of place. Begin with the
+stories you used to love when I told them to you boys. David was your
+favourite, you remember? Read him again; he'll suit you even better now,
+and you'll find his sins and repentance useful reading till you come to
+the life and work of a diviner example than he. You will do it, for
+love of mother Bhaer, who always loved her “firebrand” and hoped to save
+him?'
+
+'I will,' answered Dan, with a sudden brightening of face that was like
+a sunburst through a cloud, full of promise though so short-lived and
+rare.
+
+Mrs Jo turned at once to the books and began to talk of them, knowing
+well that Dan would not hear any more just then. He seemed relieved; for
+it was always hard for him to show his inner self, and he took pride in
+hiding it as an Indian does in concealing pain or fear.
+
+'Hallo, here's old Sintram! I remember him; used to like him and his
+tantrums, and read about 'em to Ted. There he is riding ahead with Death
+and the Devil alongside.'
+
+As Dan looked at the little picture of the young man with horse and
+hound going bravely up the rocky defile, accompanied by the companions
+who ride beside most men through this world, a curious impulse made Mrs
+Jo say quickly:
+
+'That's you, Dan, just you at this time! Danger and sin are near you in
+the life you lead; moods and passions torment you; the bad father left
+you to fight alone, and the wild spirit drives you to wander up and down
+the world looking for peace and self-control. Even the horse and hound
+are there, your Octoo and Don, faithful friends, unscared by the strange
+mates that go with you. You have not got the armour yet, but I'm trying
+to show you where to find it. Remember the mother Sintram loved and
+longed to find, and did find when his battle was bravely fought, his
+reward well earned? You can recollect your mother; and I have always
+felt that all the good qualities you possess come from her. Act out the
+beautiful old story in this as in the other parts, and try to give her
+back a son to be proud of.'
+
+Quite carried away by the likeness of the quaint tale to Dan's life and
+needs, Mrs Jo went on pointing to the various pictures which illustrated
+it, and when she looked up was surprised to see how struck and
+interested he seemed to be. Like all people of his temperament he was
+very impressionable, and his life among hunters and Indians had made him
+superstitious; he believed in dreams, liked weird tales, and whatever
+appealed to the eye or mind, vividly impressed him more than the wisest
+words. The story of poor, tormented Sintram came back clearly as he
+looked and listened, symbolizing his secret trials even more truly than
+Mrs Jo knew; and just at that moment this had an effect upon him that
+never was forgotten. But all he said was:
+
+'Small chance of that. I don't take much stock in the idea of meeting
+folks in heaven. Guess mother won't remember the poor little brat she
+left so long ago; why should she?'
+
+'Because true mothers never forget their children; and I know she was
+one, from the fact that she ran away from the cruel husband, to save
+her little son from bad influences. Had she lived, life would have been
+happier for you, with this tender friend to help and comfort you. Never
+forget that she risked everything for your sake, and don't let it be in
+vain.'
+
+Mrs Jo spoke very earnestly, knowing that this was the one sweet memory
+of Dan's early life, and glad to have recalled it at this moment; for
+suddenly a great tear splashed down on the page where Sintram kneels
+at his mother's feet, wounded, but victorious over sin and death. She
+looked up, well pleased to have touched Dan to the heart's core, as that
+drop proved; but a sweep of the arm brushed away the tell-tale, and his
+beard hid the mate to it, as he shut the book, saying with a suppressed
+quiver in his strong voice:
+
+'I'll keep this, if nobody wants it. I'll read it over, and maybe it
+will do me good. I'd like to meet her anywhere, but don't believe I ever
+shall.'
+
+'Keep it and welcome. My mother gave it to me; and when you read it try
+to believe that neither of your mothers will ever forget you.'
+
+Mrs Jo gave the book with a caress; and simply saying: 'Thanks; good
+night,' Dan thrust it into his pocket, and walked straight away to the
+river to recover from this unwonted mood of tenderness and confidence.
+
+Next day the travellers were off. All were in good spirits, and a cloud
+of handkerchiefs whitened the air as they drove away in the old bus,
+waving their hats to everyone and kissing their hands, especially to
+mother Bhaer, who said in her prophetic tone as she wiped her eyes, when
+the familiar rumble died away:
+
+'I have a feeling that something is going to happen to some of them, and
+they will never come back to me, or come back changed. Well, I can only
+say, God be with my boys!'
+
+And He was.
+
+
+
+Chapter 7. THE LION AND THE LAMB
+
+When the boys were gone a lull fell upon Plumfield, and the family
+scattered to various places for brief outings, as August had come and
+all felt the need of change. The Professor took Mrs Jo to the mountains.
+The Laurences were at the seashore, and there Meg's family and the Bhaer
+boys took turns to visit, as someone must always be at home to keep
+things in order.
+
+Mrs Meg, with Daisy, was in office when the events occurred which we are
+about to relate. Rob and Ted were just up from Rocky Nook, and Nan
+was passing a week with her friend as the only relaxation she allowed
+herself. Demi was off on a run with Tom, so Rob was man of the house,
+with old Silas as general overseer. The sea air seemed to have gone to
+Ted's head, for he was unusually freakish, and led his gentle aunt and
+poor Rob a life of it with his pranks. Octoo was worn out with the wild
+rides he took, and Don openly rebelled when ordered to leap and show
+off his accomplishments; while the girls at college were both amused and
+worried by the ghosts who haunted the grounds at night, the unearthly
+melodies that disturbed their studious hours, and the hairbreadth
+escapes of this restless boy by flood and field and fire. Something
+happened at length which effectually sobered Ted and made a lasting
+impression on both the boys; for sudden danger and a haunting fear
+turned the Lion into a lamb and the Lamb into a lion, as far as courage
+went.
+
+On the first of September--the boys never forgot the date--after a
+pleasant tramp and good luck with their fishing, the brothers were
+lounging in the barn; for Daisy had company, and the lads kept out of
+the way.
+
+'I tell you what it is, Bobby, that dog is sick. He won't play, nor eat,
+nor drink, and acts queerly. Dan will kill us if anything happens to
+him,' said Ted, looking at Don, who lay near his kennel resting a moment
+after one of the restless wanderings which kept him vibrating between
+the door of Dan's room and the shady corner of the yard, where his
+master had settled him with an old cap to guard till he came back.
+
+'It's the hot weather, perhaps. But I sometimes think he's pining for
+Dan. Dogs do, you know, and the poor fellow has been low in his mind
+ever since the boys went. Maybe something has happened to Dan. Don
+howled last night and can't rest. I've heard of such things,' answered
+Rob thoughtfully.
+
+'Pooh! he can't know. He's cross. I'll stir him up and take him for a
+run. Always makes me feel better. Hi, boy! wake up and be jolly'; and
+Ted snapped his fingers at the dog, who only looked at him with grim
+indifference.
+
+'Better let him alone. If he isn't right tomorrow, we'll take him to Dr
+Watkins and see what he says.' And Rob went on watching the swallows as
+he lay in the hay polishing up some Latin verses he had made.
+
+The spirit of perversity entered into Ted, and merely because he was
+told not to tease Don he went on doing it, pretending that it was for
+the dog's good. Don took no heed of his pats, commands, reproaches, or
+insults, till Ted's patience gave out; and seeing a convenient switch
+near by he could not resist the temptation to conquer the great hound
+by force, since gentleness failed to win obedience. He had the wisdom to
+chain Don up first; for a blow from any hand but his master's made him
+savage, and Ted had more than once tried the experiment, as the dog
+remembered. This indignity roused Don and he sat up with a growl. Rob
+heard it, and seeing Ted raise the switch, ran to interfere, exclaiming:
+
+'Don't touch him! Dan forbade it! Leave the poor thing in peace; I won't
+allow it.'
+
+Rob seldom commanded, but when he did Master Ted had to give in. His
+temper was up, and Rob's masterful tone made it impossible to resist one
+cut at the rebellious dog before he submitted. Only a single blow, but
+it was a costly one; for as it fell, the dog sprang at Ted with a snarl,
+and Rob, rushing between the two, felt the sharp teeth pierce his leg.
+A word made Don let go and drop remorsefully at Rob's feet, for he loved
+him and was evidently sorry to have hurt his friend by mistake. With a
+forgiving pat Rob left him, to limp to the barn followed by Ted, whose
+wrath was changed to shame and sorrow when he saw the red drops on Rob's
+sock and the little wounds in his leg.
+
+'I'm awfully sorry. Why did you get in the way? Here, wash it up, and
+I'll get a rag to tie on it,' he said quickly filling a sponge with
+water and pulling out a very demoralized handkerchief. Rob usually made
+light of his own mishaps and was over ready to forgive if others were to
+blame; but now he sat quite still, looking at the purple marks with such
+a strange expression on his white face that Ted was troubled, though he
+added with a laugh: 'Why, you're not afraid of a little dig like that,
+are you, Bobby?'
+
+'I am afraid of hydrophobia. But if Don is mad I'd rather be the one to
+have it,' answered Rob, with a smile and a shiver.
+
+At that dreadful word Ted turned whiter than his brother, and,
+dropping sponge and handkerchief, stared at him with a frightened face,
+whispering in a tone of despair:
+
+'Oh, Rob, don't say it! What shall we do, what shall we do?'
+
+'Call Nan; she will know. Don't scare Aunty, or tell a soul but Nan;
+she's on the back piazza; get her out here as quick as you can. I'll
+wash it till she comes. Maybe it's nothing; don't look so staggered,
+Ted. I only thought it might be, as Don is queer.'
+
+Rob tried to speak bravely; but Ted's long legs felt strangely weak as
+he hurried away, and it was lucky he met no one, for his face would have
+betrayed him. Nan was swinging luxuriously in a hammock, amusing herself
+with a lively treatise on croup, when an agitated boy suddenly clutched
+her, whispering, as he nearly pulled her overboard:
+
+'Come to Rob in the barn! Don's mad and he's bitten him, and we don't
+know what to do; it's all my fault; no one must know. Oh, do be quick!'
+
+Nan was on her feet at once, startled, but with her wits about her, and
+both were off without more words as they dodged round the house where
+unconscious Daisy chatted with her friends in the parlour and Aunt Meg
+peacefully took her afternoon nap upstairs.
+
+Rob was braced up, and was as calm and steady as ever when they found
+him in the harness-room, whither he had wisely retired, to escape
+observation. The story was soon told, and after a look at Don, now in
+his kennel, sad and surly, Nan said slowly, with her eye on the full
+water-pan:
+
+'Rob, there is one thing to do for the sake of safety, and it must
+be done at once. We can't wait to see if Don is--sick--or to go for a
+doctor. I can do it, and I will; but it is very painful, and I hate to
+hurt you, dear.'
+
+A most unprofessional quiver got into Nan's voice as she spoke, and her
+keen eyes dimmed as she looked at the two anxious young faces turned so
+confidingly to her for help.
+
+'I know, burn it; well, do it, please; I can bear it. But Ted better
+go away,' said Rob, with a firm setting of his lips, and a nod at his
+afflicted brother.
+
+'I won't stir; I can stand it if he can, only it ought to be me!' cried
+Ted, with a desperate effort not to cry, so full of grief and fear and
+shame was he that it seemed as if he couldn't bear it like a man.
+
+'He'd better stay and help; do him good,' answered Nan sternly, because,
+her heart was faint within her, knowing as she did all that might be in
+store for both poor boys. 'Keep quiet; I'll be back in a minute,' she
+added, going towards the house, while her quick mind hastily planned
+what was best to be done.
+
+It was ironing day, and a hot fire still burned in the empty kitchen,
+for the maids were upstairs resting. Nan put a slender poker to heat,
+and as she sat waiting for it, covered her face with her hands, asking
+help in this sudden need for strength, courage, and wisdom; for there
+was no one else to call upon, and young as she was, she knew what was to
+be done if she only had the nerve to do it. Any other patient would have
+been calmly interesting, but dear, good Robin, his father's pride, his
+mother's comfort, everyone's favourite and friend, that he should be
+in danger was very terrible; and a few hot tears dropped on the
+well-scoured table as Nan tried to calm her trouble by remembering how
+very likely it was to be all a mistake, a natural but vain alarm.
+
+'I must make light of it, or the boys will break down, and then there
+will be a panic. Why afflict and frighten everyone when all is in doubt?
+I won't. I'll take Rob to Dr Morrison at once, and have the dog man see
+Don. Then, having done all we can, we will either laugh at our scare--if
+it is one--or be ready for whatever comes. Now for my poor boy.'
+
+Armed with the red-hot poker, a pitcher of ice-water, and several
+handkerchiefs from the clotheshorse, Nan went back to the barn ready to
+do her best in this her most serious 'emergency case'. The boys sat like
+statues, one of despair, the other of resignation; and it took all Nan's
+boasted nerve to do her work quickly and well.
+
+'Now, Rob, only a minute, then we are safe. Stand by, Ted; he may be a
+bit faintish.'
+
+Rob shut his eyes, clinched his hands, and sat like a hero. Ted knelt
+beside him, white as a sheet, and as weak as a girl; for the pangs of
+remorse were rending him, and his heart failed at the thought of all
+this pain because of his wilfulness. It was all over in a moment, with
+only one little groan; but when Nan looked to her assistant to hand the
+water, poor Ted needed it the most, for he had fainted away, and lay on
+the floor in a pathetic heap of arms and legs.
+
+Rob laughed, and, cheered by that unexpected sound, Nan bound up the
+wound with hands that never trembled, though great drops stood on her
+forehead; and she shared the water with patient number one before she
+turned to patient number two. Ted was much ashamed, and quite broken
+in spirit, when he found how he had failed at the critical moment, and
+begged them not to tell, as he really could not help it; then by way of
+finishing his utter humiliation, a burst of hysterical tears disgraced
+his manly soul, and did him a world of good.
+
+'Never mind, never mind, we are all right now, and no one need be the
+wiser,' said Nan briskly, as poor Ted hiccoughed on Rob's shoulder,
+laughing and crying in the most tempestuous manner, while his brother
+soothed him, and the young doctor fanned both with Silas's old straw
+hat.
+
+'Now, boys, listen to me and remember what I say. We won't alarm anyone
+yet, for I've made up my mind our scare is all nonsense. Don was out
+lapping the water as I came by, and I don't believe he's mad any more
+than I am. Still, to ease our minds and compose our spirits, and get our
+guilty faces out of sight for a while, I think we had better drive into
+town to my old friend Dr Morrison, and let him just take a look at
+my work, and give us some quieting little dose; for we are all rather
+shaken by this flurry. Sit still, Rob; and Ted, you harness up while I
+run and get my hat and tell Aunty to excuse me to Daisy. I don't know
+those Penniman girls, and she will be glad of our room at tea, and we'll
+have a cosy bite at my house, and come home as gay as larks.'
+
+Nan talked on as a vent for the hidden emotions which professional pride
+would not allow her to show, and the boys approved her plan at once; for
+action is always easier than quiet waiting. Ted went staggering away to
+wash his face at the pump, and rub some colour into his cheeks before
+he harnessed the horse. Rob lay tranquilly on the hay, looking up at the
+swallows again as he lived through some very memorable moments. Boy as
+he was, the thought of death coming suddenly to him, and in this way,
+might well make him sober; for it is a very solemn thing to be arrested
+in the midst of busy life by the possibility of the great change. There
+were no sins to be repented of, few faults, and many happy, dutiful
+years to remember with infinite comfort. So Rob had no fears to daunt
+him, no regrets to sadden, and best of all, a very strong and simple
+piety to sustain and cheer him.
+
+'Mein Vater,' was his first thought; for Rob was very near the
+Professor's heart, and the loss of his eldest would have been a bitter
+blow. These words, whispered with a tremble of the lips that had been so
+firm when the hot iron burned, recalled that other Father who is always
+near, always tender and helpful; and, folding his hands, Rob said the
+heartiest little prayer he ever prayed, there on the hay, to the soft
+twitter of the brooding birds. It did him good; and wisely laying all
+his fear and doubt and trouble in God's hand, the boy felt ready for
+whatever was to come, and from that hour kept steadily before him the
+one duty that was plain--to be brave and cheerful, keep silent, and hope
+for the best.
+
+Nan stole her hat, and left a note on Daisy's pincushion, saying she had
+taken the boys to drive, and all would be out of the way till after tea.
+Then she hurried back and found her patients much better, the one for
+work, the other for rest. In they got, and, putting Rob on the back seat
+with his leg up drove away, looking as gay and care-free as if nothing
+had happened.
+
+Dr Morrison made light of the affair, but told Nan she had done right;
+and as the much-relieved lads went downstairs, he added in a whisper:
+'Send the dog off for a while, and keep your eye on the boy. Don't let
+him know it, and report to me if anything seems wrong. One never knows
+in these cases. No harm to be careful.'
+
+Nan nodded, and feeling much relieved now that the responsibility was
+off her shoulders, took the lads to Dr Watkins, who promised to come out
+later and examine Don. A merry tea at Nan's house, which was kept open
+for her all summer, did them good, and by the time they got home in the
+cool of the evening no sign of the panic remained but Ted's heavy eyes,
+and a slight limp when Rob walked. As the guests were still chattering
+on the front piazza they retired to the back, and Ted soothed his
+remorseful soul by swinging Rob in the hammock, while Nan told stories
+till the dog man arrived.
+
+He said Don was a little under the weather, but no more mad than the
+grey kitten that purred round his legs while the examination went on.
+
+'He wants his master, and feels the heat. Fed too well, perhaps. I'll
+keep him a few weeks and send him home all right,' said Dr Watkins, as
+Don laid his great head in his hand, and kept his intelligent eyes on
+his face, evidently feeling that this man understood his trials, and
+knew what to do for him.
+
+So Don departed without a murmur, and our three conspirators took
+counsel together how to spare the family all anxiety, and give Rob the
+rest his leg demanded. Fortunately, he always spent many hours in his
+little study, so he could lie on the sofa with a book in his hand
+as long as he liked, without exciting any remark. Being of a quiet
+temperament, he did not worry himself or Nan with useless fears, but
+believed what was told him, and dismissing all dark possibilities, went
+cheerfully on his way, soon recovering from the shock of what he called
+'our scare'.
+
+But excitable Ted was harder to manage, and it took all Nan's wit and
+wisdom to keep him from betraying the secret; for it was best to say
+nothing and spare all discussion of the subject for Rob's sake. Ted's
+remorse preyed upon him, and having no 'Mum' to confide in, he was very
+miserable. By day he devoted himself to Rob, waiting on him, talking to
+him, gazing anxiously at him, and worrying the good fellow very much;
+though he wouldn't own it, since Ted found comfort in it. But at night,
+when all was quiet, Ted's lively imagination and heavy heart got the
+better of him, and kept him awake, or set him walking in his sleep. Nan
+had her eye on him, and more than once administered a little dose to
+give him a rest, read to him, scolded him, and when she caught him
+haunting the house in the watches of the night, threatened to lock him
+up if he did not stay in his bed. This wore off after a while; but a
+change came over the freakish boy, and everyone observed it, even before
+his mother returned to ask what they had done to quench the Lion's
+spirits. He was gay, but not so heedless; and often when the old
+wilfulness beset him, he would check it sharply, look at Rob, and give
+up, or stalk away to have his sulk out alone. He no longer made fun of
+his brother's old-fashioned ways and bookish tastes, but treated him
+with a new and very marked respect, which touched and pleased modest
+Rob, and much amazed all observers. It seemed as if he felt that he owed
+him reparation for the foolish act that might have cost him his life;
+and love being stronger than will, Ted forgot his pride, and paid his
+debt like an honest boy.
+
+'I don't understand it,' said Mrs Jo, after a week of home life, much
+impressed by the good behaviour of her younger son. 'Ted is such a
+saint, I'm afraid we are going to lose him. Is it Meg's sweet influence,
+or Daisy's fine cooking, or the pellets I catch Nan giving him on
+the sly? Some witchcraft has been at work during my absence, and this
+will-o'-the-wisp is so amiable, quiet, and obedient, I don't know him.'
+
+'He is growing up, heart's-dearest, and being a precocious plant, he
+begins to bloom early. I also see a change in my Robchen. He is more
+manly and serious than ever, and is seldom far from me, as if his
+love for the old papa was growing with his growth. Our boys will often
+surprise us in this way, Jo, and we can only rejoice over them and leave
+them to become what Gott pleases.'
+
+As the Professor spoke, his eyes rested proudly on the brothers, who
+came walking up the steps together, Ted's arm over Rob's shoulder as
+he listened attentively to some geological remarks Rob was making on a
+stone he held. Usually, Ted made fun of such tastes, and loved to lay
+boulders in the student's path, put brickbats under his pillow, gravel
+in his shoes, or send parcels of dirt by express to 'Prof. R. M. Bhaer'.
+Lately, he had treated Rob's hobbies respectfully, and had begun to
+appreciate the good qualities of this quiet brother whom he had always
+loved but rather undervalued, till his courage under fire won Ted's
+admiration, and made it impossible to forget a fault, the consequences
+of which might have been so terrible. The leg was still lame, though
+doing well, and Ted was always offering an arm as support, gazing
+anxiously at his brother, and trying to guess his wants; for regret was
+still keen in Ted's soul, and Rob's forgiveness only made it deeper. A
+fortunate slip on the stairs gave Rob an excuse for limping, and no one
+but Nan and Ted saw the wound; so the secret was safe up to this time.
+
+'We are talking about you, my lads. Come in and tell us what good fairy
+has been at work while we were gone. Or is it because absence sharpens
+our eyes, that we find such pleasant changes when we come back?' said
+Mrs Jo, patting the sofa on either side, while the Professor forgot his
+piles of letters to admire the pleasing prospect of his wife in a bower
+of arms, as the boys sat down beside her, smiling affectionately, but
+feeling a little guilty; for till now 'Mum' and 'Vater' knew every event
+in their boyish lives.
+
+'Oh, it's only because Bobby and I have been alone so much; we are sort
+of twins. I stir him up a bit, and he steadies me a great deal. You and
+father do the same, you know. Nice plan. I like it'; and Ted felt that
+he had settled the matter capitally.
+
+'Mother won't thank you for comparing yourself to her, Ted. I'm
+flattered at being like father in any way. I try to be,' answered Rob,
+as they laughed at Ted's compliment.
+
+'I do thank him, for it's true; and if you, Robin, do half as much for
+your brother as Papa has for me, your life won't be a failure,' said
+Mrs Jo heartily. 'I'm very glad to see you helping one another. It's the
+right way, and we can't begin too soon to try to understand the needs,
+virtues, and failings of those nearest us. Love should not make us blind
+to faults, nor familiarity make us too ready to blame the shortcomings
+we see. So work away, my sonnies, and give us more surprises of this
+sort as often as you like.'
+
+'The liebe Mutter has said all. I too am well pleased at the friendly
+brother-warmth I find. It is good for everyone; long may it last!' and
+Professor Bhaer nodded at the boys, who looked gratified, but rather at
+a loss how to respond to these flattering remarks.
+
+Rob wisely kept silent, fearing to say too much; but Ted burst out,
+finding it impossible to help telling something:
+
+'The fact is I've been finding out what a brave good chap Bobby is, and
+I'm trying to make up for all the bother I've been to him. I knew he
+was awfully wise, but I thought him rather soft, because he liked books
+better than larks, and was always fussing about his conscience. But I
+begin to see that it isn't the fellows who talk the loudest and show
+off best that are the manliest. No, sir! quiet old Bob is a hero and a
+trump, and I'm proud of him; so would you be if you knew all about it.'
+
+Here a look from Rob brought Ted up with a round turn; he stopped short,
+grew red, and clapped his hand on his mouth in dismay.
+
+'Well, are we not to “know all about it”?' asked Mrs Jo quickly; for her
+sharp eye saw signs of danger and her maternal heart felt that something
+had come between her and her sons. 'Boys,' she went on solemnly, 'I
+suspect that the change we talk about is not altogether the effect of
+growing up, as we say. It strikes me that Ted has been in mischief and
+Rob has got him out of some scrape; hence the lovely mood of my bad boy
+and the sober one of my conscientious son, who never hides anything from
+his mother.'
+
+Rob was as red as Ted now, but after a moment's hesitation he looked up
+and answered with an air of relief:
+
+'Yes, mother, that's it; but it's all over and no harm done, and I think
+we'd better let it be, for a while at least. I did feel guilty to keep
+anything from you, but now you know so much I shall not worry and you
+needn't either. Ted's sorry, I don't mind, and it has done us both
+good.'
+
+Mrs Jo looked at Ted, who winked hard but bore the look like a man;
+then she turned to Rob, who smiled at her so cheerfully that she felt
+reassured; but something in his face struck her, and she saw what it was
+that made him seem older, graver, yet more lovable than ever. It was the
+look pain of mind, as well as body, brings, and the patience of a sweet
+submission to some inevitable trial. Like a flash she guessed that some
+danger had been near her boy, and the glances she had caught between the
+two lads and Nan confirmed her fears.
+
+'Rob, dear, you have been ill, hurt, or seriously troubled by Ted? Tell
+me at once; I will not have any secrets now. Boys sometimes suffer all
+their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness. Fritz, make them
+speak out!'
+
+Mr Bhaer put down his papers and came to stand before them, saying in a
+tone that quieted Mrs Jo, and gave the boys courage:
+
+'My sons, give us the truth. We can bear it; do not hold it back to
+spare us. Ted knows we forgive much because we love him, so be frank,
+all two.'
+
+Ted instantly dived among the sofa pillows and kept there, with only a
+pair of scarlet ears visible, while Rob in a few words told the little
+story, truthfully, but as gently as he could, hastening to add the
+comfortable assurance that Don was not mad, the wound nearly well, and
+no danger would ever come of it.
+
+But Mrs Jo grew so pale he had to put his arms about her, and his father
+turned and walked away, exclaiming: 'Ach Himmel!' in a tone of such
+mingled pain, relief, and gratitude, that Ted pulled an extra pillow
+over his head to smother the sound. They were all right in a minute;
+but such news is always a shock, even if the peril is past, and Mrs Jo
+hugged her boy close till his father came and took him away, saying with
+a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in his voice:
+
+'To be in danger of one's life tries a man's mettle, and you bear it
+well; but I cannot spare my good boy yet; thank Gott, we keep him safe!'
+
+A smothered sound, between a choke and a groan, came from under the
+pillows, and the writhing of Ted's long legs so plainly expressed
+despair that his mother relented towards him, and burrowing till she
+found a tousled yellow head, pulled it out and smoothed it, exclaiming
+with an irrepressible laugh, though her cheeks were wet with tears:
+
+'Come and be forgiven, poor sinner! I know you have suffered enough, and
+I won't say a word; only if harm had come to Rob you would have made
+me more miserable than yourself. Oh, Teddy, Teddy, do try to cure that
+wilful spirit of yours before it is too late!'
+
+'Oh, Mum, I do try! I never can forget this--I hope it's cured me; if it
+hasn't, I am afraid I ain't worth saving,' answered Ted, pulling his own
+hair as the only way of expressing his deep remorse.
+
+'Yes, you are, my dear; I felt just so at fifteen when Amy was nearly
+drowned, and Marmee helped me as I'll help you. Come to me, Teddy, when
+the evil one gets hold of you, and together we'll rout him. Ah, me! I've
+had many a tussle with that old Apollyon, and often got worsted, but not
+always. Come under my shield, and we'll fight till we win.'
+
+No one spoke for a minute as Ted and his mother laughed and cried in
+one handkerchief, and Rob stood with his father's arm round him so happy
+that all was told and forgiven, though never to be forgotten; for
+such experiences do one good, and knit hearts that love more closely
+together.
+
+Presently Ted rose straight up and going to his father, said bravely and
+humbly:
+
+'I ought to be punished. Please do it; but first say you forgive me, as
+Rob does.'
+
+'Always that, mein Sohn, seventy time seven, if needs be, else I am
+not worthy the name you give me. The punishment has come; I can give no
+greater. Let it not be in vain. It will not with the help of the mother
+and the All Father. Room here for both, always!'
+
+The good Professor opened his arms and embraced his boys like a true
+German, not ashamed to express by gesture or by word the fatherly
+emotions an American would have compressed into a slap on the shoulder
+and a brief 'All right'.
+
+Mrs Jo sat and enjoyed the prospect like a romantic soul as she was, and
+then they had a quiet talk together, saying freely all that was in their
+hearts, and finding much comfort in the confidence which comes when love
+casts out fear. It was agreed that nothing be said except to Nan,
+who was to be thanked and rewarded for her courage, discretion, and
+fidelity.
+
+'I always knew that girl had the making of a fine woman in her, and this
+proves it. No panics and shrieks and faintings and fuss, but calm
+sense and energetic skill. Dear child, what can I give or do to show my
+gratitude?' said Mrs Jo enthusiastically.
+
+'Make Tom clear out and leave her in peace,' suggested Ted, almost
+himself again, though a pensive haze still partially obscured his native
+gaiety.
+
+'Yes, do! he frets her like a mosquito. She forbade him to come out here
+while she stayed, and packed him off with Demi. I like old Tom, but he
+is a regular noodle about Nan,' added Rob, as he went away to help his
+father with the accumulated letters.
+
+'I'll do it!' said Mrs Jo decidedly. 'That girl's career shall not be
+hampered by a foolish boy's fancy. In a moment of weariness she may give
+in, and then it's all over. Wiser women have done so and regretted it
+all their lives. Nan shall earn her place first, and prove that she can
+fill it; then she may marry if she likes, and can find a man worthy of
+her.'
+
+But Mrs Jo's help was not needed; for love and gratitude can work
+miracles, and when youth, beauty, accident, and photography are added,
+success is sure; as was proved in the case of the unsuspecting but too
+susceptible Thomas.
+
+
+
+Chapter 8. JOSIE PLAYS MERMAID
+
+While the young Bhaers were having serious experiences at home, Josie
+was enjoying herself immensely at Rocky Nook; for the Laurences knew how
+to make summer idleness both charming and wholesome. Bess was very fond
+of her little cousin; Mrs Amy felt that whether her niece was an actress
+or not she must be a gentlewoman, and gave her the social training
+which marks the well-bred woman everywhere; while Uncle Laurie was never
+happier than when rowing, riding, playing, or lounging with two gay
+girls beside him. Josie bloomed like a wild flower in this free life,
+Bess grew rosy, brisk, and merry, and both were great favourites with
+the neighbours, whose villas were by the shore or perched on the cliffs
+along the pretty bay.
+
+One crumpled rose-leaf disturbed Josie's peace, one baffled wish filled
+her with a longing which became a mania, and kept her as restless and
+watchful as a detective with a case to 'work up'. Miss Cameron, the
+great actress, had hired one of the villas and retired thither to rest
+and 'create' a new part for next season. She saw no one but a friend
+or two, had a private beach, and was invisible except during her daily
+drive, or when the opera-glasses of curious gazers were fixed on a
+blue figure disporting itself in the sea. The Laurences knew her, but
+respected her privacy, and after a call left her in peace till she
+expressed a wish for society--a courtesy which she remembered and repaid
+later, as we shall see.
+
+But Josie was like a thirsty fly buzzing about a sealed honey-pot, for
+this nearness to her idol was both delightful and maddening. She pined
+to see, hear, talk with, and study this great and happy woman who could
+thrill thousands by her art, and win friends by her virtue, benevolence,
+and beauty. This was the sort of actress the girl meant to be, and few
+could object if the gift was really hers; for the stage needs just such
+women to purify and elevate the profession which should teach as well as
+amuse. If kindly Miss Cameron had known what passionate love and longing
+burned in the bosom of the little girl whom she idly observed skipping
+over the rocks, splashing about the beach, or galloping past her gate on
+a Shetland pony, she would have made her happy by a look or a word. But
+being tired with her winter's work and busy with her new part, the lady
+took no more notice of this young neighbour than of the sea-gulls in the
+bay or the daisies dancing in the fields. Nosegays left on her doorstep,
+serenades under her garden-wall, and the fixed stare of admiring eyes
+were such familiar things that she scarcely minded them; and Josie grew
+desperate when all her little attempts failed.
+
+'I might climb that pine-tree and tumble off on her piazza roof, or get
+Sheltie to throw me just at her gate and be taken in fainting. It's no
+use to try to drown myself when she is bathing. I can't sink, and she'd
+only send a man to pull me out. What can I do? I will see her and tell
+her my hopes and make her say I can act some day. Mamma would believe
+her; and if--oh, if she only would let me study with her, what perfect
+joy that would be!'
+
+Josie made these remarks one afternoon as she and Bess prepared for a
+swim, a fishing party having prevented their morning bathe.
+
+'You must bide your time, dear, and not be so impatient. Papa promised
+to give you a chance before the season is over, and he always manages
+things nicely. That will be better than any queer prank of yours,'
+answered Bess, tying her pretty hair in a white net to match her suit,
+while Josie made a little lobster of herself in scarlet.
+
+'I hate to wait; but I suppose I must. Hope she will bathe this
+afternoon, though it is low tide. She told Uncle she should have to go
+in then because in the morning people stared so and went on her beach.
+Come and have a good dive from the big rock. No one round but nurses and
+babies, so we can romp and splash as much as we like.'
+
+Away they went to have a fine time; for the little bay was free from
+other bathers, and the babies greatly admired their aquatic gymnastics,
+both being expert swimmers.
+
+As they sat dripping on the big rock Josie suddenly gave a clutch that
+nearly sent Bess overboard, as she cried excitedly:
+
+'There she is! Look! coming to bathe. How splendid! Oh, if she only
+would drown a little and let me save her! or even get her toe nipped by
+a crab; anything so I could go and speak!'
+
+'Don't seem to look; she comes to be quiet and enjoy herself. Pretend
+we don't see her, that's only civil,' answered Bess, affecting to be
+absorbed in a white-winged yacht going by.
+
+'Let's carelessly float that way as if going for seaweed on the rocks.
+She can't mind if we are flat on our backs, with only our noses out.
+Then when we can't help seeing her, we'll swim back as if anxious to
+retire. That will impress her, and she may call to thank the very polite
+young ladies who respect her wishes,' proposed Josie, whose lively fancy
+was always planning dramatic situations.
+
+Just as they were going to slip from their rock, as if Fate relented at
+last, Miss Cameron was seen to beckon wildly as she stood waist-deep in
+the water, looking down. She called to her maid, who seemed searching
+along the beach for something, and not finding what she sought, waved a
+towel towards the girls as if summoning them to help her.
+
+'Run, fly! she wants us, she wants us!' cried Josie, tumbling into the
+water like a very energetic turtle, and swimming away in her best style
+towards this long desired haven of joy. Bess followed more slowly, and
+both came panting and smiling up to Miss Cameron, who never lifted her
+eyes, but said in that wonderful voice of hers:
+
+'I've dropped a bracelet. I see it, but can't get it. Will the little
+boy find me a long stick? I'll keep my eye on it, so the water shall not
+wash it away.'
+
+'I'll dive for it with pleasure; but I'm not a boy,' answered Josie,
+laughing as she shook the curly head which at a distance had deceived
+the lady.
+
+'I beg your pardon. Dive away, child; the sand is covering it fast. I
+value it very much. Never forgot to take it off before.'
+
+'I'll get it!' and down went Josie, to come up with a handful of
+pebbles, but no bracelet.
+
+'It's gone; never mind--my fault,' said Miss Cameron, disappointed, but
+amused at the girl's dismay as she shook the water out of her eyes and
+gasped bravely:
+
+'No, it isn't. I'll have it, if I stay down all night!' and with one
+long breath Josie dived again, leaving nothing but a pair of agitated
+feet to be seen.
+
+'I'm afraid she will hurt herself,' said Miss Cameron, looking at Bess,
+whom she recognized by her likeness to her mother.
+
+'Oh, no; Josie is a little fish. She likes it'; and Bess smiled happily
+at this wonderful granting of her cousin's desire.
+
+'You are Mr Laurence's daughter, I think? How d'ye do, dear? Tell papa
+I'm coming to see him soon. Too tired before. Quite savage. Better now.
+Ah! here's our pearl of divers. What luck?' she asked, as the heels went
+down and a dripping head came up.
+
+Josie could only choke and splutter at first, being half strangled;
+but though her hands had failed again, her courage had not; and with a
+resolute shake of her wet hair, a bright look at the tall lady, and a
+series of puffs to fill her lungs, she said calmly:
+
+'“Never give up” is my motto. I'm going to get it, if I go to Liverpool
+for it! Now, then!' and down went the mermaid quite out of sight this
+time, groping like a real lobster at the bottom of the sea.
+
+'Plucky little girl! I like that. Who is she?' asked the lady, sitting
+down on a half-covered stone to watch her diver, since the bracelet was
+lost sight of.
+
+Bess told her, adding, with the persuasive smile of her father: 'Josie
+longs to be an actress, and has waited for a month to see you. This is a
+great happiness for her.'
+
+'Bless the child! why didn't she come and call? I'd have let her in;
+though usually I avoid stage-struck girls as I do reporters,' laughed
+Miss Cameron.
+
+There was no time for more; a brown hand, grasping the bracelet, rose
+out of the sea, followed by a purple face as Josie came up so blind and
+dizzy she could only cling to Bess, half drowned but triumphant.
+
+Miss Cameron drew her to the rock where she sat, and pushing the hair
+out of her eyes, revived her with a hearty 'Bravo! bravo!' which assured
+the girl that her first act was a hit. Josie had often imagined her
+meeting with the great actress--the dignity and grace with which she
+would enter and tell her ambitious hopes, the effective dress she would
+wear, the witty things she would say, the deep impression her budding
+genius would make. But never in her wildest moments had she imagined
+an interview like this; scarlet, sandy, streaming, and speechless she
+leaned against the illustrious shoulder, looking like a beautiful seal
+as she blinked and wheezed till she could smile joyfully and exclaim
+proudly:
+
+'I did get it! I'm so glad!'
+
+'Now get your breath, my dear; then I shall be glad also. It was very
+nice of you to take all that trouble for me. How shall I thank you?'
+asked the lady, looking at her with the beautiful eyes that could say so
+many things without words.
+
+Josie clasped her hands with a wet spat which rather destroyed the
+effect of the gesture, and answered in a beseeching tone that would have
+softened a far harder heart than Miss Cameron's:
+
+'Let me come and see you once--only once! I want you to tell me if I
+can act; you will know. I'll abide by what you say; and if you think
+I can--by and by, when I've studied very hard--I shall be the happiest
+girl in the world. May I?'
+
+'Yes; come tomorrow at eleven. We'll have a good talk; you shall show me
+what you can do, and I'll give you my opinion. But you won't like it.'
+
+'I will, no matter if you tell me I'm a fool. I want it settled; so
+does mamma. I'll take it bravely if you say no; and if you say yes, I'll
+never give up till I've done my best--as you did.'
+
+'Ah, my child, it's a weary road, and there are plenty of thorns among
+the roses when you've won them. I think you have the courage, and this
+proves that you have perseverance. Perhaps you'll do. Come, and we'll
+see.'
+
+Miss Cameron touched the bracelet as she spoke, and smiled so kindly
+that impetuous Josie wanted to kiss her; but wisely refrained, though
+her eyes were wet with softer water than any in the sea as she thanked
+her.
+
+'We are keeping Miss Cameron from her bath, and the tide is going out.
+Come, Josie,' said thoughtful Bess, fearing to outstay their welcome.
+
+'Run over the beach and get warm. Thank you very much, little mermaid.
+Tell papa to bring his daughter to see me any time. Good-bye'; and with
+a wave of her hand the tragedy queen dismissed her court, but remained
+on her weedy throne watching the two lithe figures race over the sand
+with twinkling feet till they were out of sight. Then, as she calmly
+bobbed up and down in the water, she said to herself: 'The child has a
+good stage face, vivid, mobile; fine eyes, abandon, pluck, will. Perhaps
+she'll do. Good stock--talent in the family. We shall see.'
+
+Of course Josie never slept a wink, and was in a fever of joyful
+excitement next day. Uncle Laurie enjoyed the episode very much,
+and Aunt Amy looked out her most becoming white dress for the grand
+occasion; Bess lent her most artistic hat, and Josie ranged the wood
+and marsh for a bouquet of wild roses, sweet white azalea, ferns, and
+graceful grasses, as the offering of a very grateful heart.
+
+At ten she solemnly arrayed herself, and then sat looking at her neat
+gloves and buckled shoes till it was time to go, growing pale and sober
+with the thought that her fate was soon to be decided; for, like all
+young people she was sure that her whole life could be settled by one
+human creature, quite forgetting how wonderfully Providence trains us
+by disappointment, surprises us with unexpected success, and turns our
+seeming trials into blessings.
+
+'I will go alone: we shall be freer so. Oh, Bess, pray that she may tell
+me rightly! So much depends on that! Don't laugh, uncle! It is a very
+serious moment for me. Miss Cameron knows that, and will tell you so.
+Kiss me, Aunt Amy, since mamma isn't here. If you say I look nice, I'm
+quite satisfied. Good-bye.' And with a wave of the hand as much like her
+model's as she could make it, Josie departed, looking very pretty and
+feeling very tragical.
+
+Sure now of admittance, she boldly rang at the door which excluded so
+many, and being ushered into a shady parlour, feasted her eyes upon
+several fine portraits of great actors while she waited. She had read
+about most of them, and knew their trials and triumphs so well that she
+soon forgot herself, and tried to imitate Mrs Siddons as Lady Macbeth,
+looking up at the engraving as she held her nosegay like the candle in
+the sleep-walking scene, and knit her youthful brows distressfully while
+murmuring the speech of the haunted queen. So busy was she that Miss
+Cameron watched her for several minutes unseen, then startled her by
+suddenly sweeping in with the words upon her lips, the look upon her
+face, which made that one of her greatest scenes.
+
+'I never can do it like that; but I'll keep trying, if you say I may,'
+cried Josie, forgetting her manners in the intense interest of the
+moment.
+
+'Show me what you can do,' answered the actress, wisely plunging into
+the middle of things at once, well knowing that no common chat would
+satisfy this very earnest little person.
+
+'First let me give you these. I thought you'd like wild things better
+than hot-house flowers; and I loved to bring them, as I'd no other way
+to thank you for your great kindness to me,' said Josie, offering her
+nosegay with a simple warmth that was very sweet.
+
+'I do love them best, and keep my room full of the posies some good
+fairy hangs on my gate. Upon my word, I think I've found the fairy
+out--these are so like,' she added quickly, as her eye went from the
+flowers in her hand to others that stood near by, arranged with the same
+taste.
+
+Josie's blush and smile betrayed her before she said, with a look full
+of girlish adoration and humility: 'I couldn't help it; I admire you so
+much. I know it was a liberty; but as I couldn't get in myself, I loved
+to think my posies pleased you.'
+
+Something about the child and her little offering touched the woman,
+and, drawing Josie to her, she said, with no trace of actress in face or
+voice:
+
+'They did please me, dear, and so do you. I'm tired of praise; and love
+is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.'
+
+Josie remembered to have heard, among many other stories, that Miss
+Cameron lost her lover years ago, and since had lived only for art.
+Now she felt that this might have been true; and pity for the splendid,
+lonely life made her face very eloquent, as well as grateful. Then, as
+if anxious to forget the past, her new friend said, in the commanding
+way that seemed natural to her:
+
+'Let me see what you can do. Juliet, of course. All begin with that.
+Poor soul, how she is murdered!'
+
+Now, Josie had intended to begin with Romeo's much-enduring sweetheart,
+and follow her up with Bianca, Pauline, and several of the favourite
+idols of stage-struck girls; but being a shrewd little person, she
+suddenly saw the wisdom of Uncle Laurie's advice, and resolved to
+follow it. So instead of the rant Miss Cameron expected, Josie gave poor
+Ophelia's mad scene, and gave it very well, having been trained by
+the college professor of elocution and done it many times. She was too
+young, of course, but the white gown, the loose hair, the real flowers
+she scattered over the imaginary grave, added to the illusion; and she
+sung the songs sweetly, dropped her pathetic curtsies, and vanished
+behind the curtain that divided the rooms with a backward look that
+surprised her critical auditor into a quick gesture of applause. Cheered
+by that welcome sound, Josie ran back as a little hoyden in one of the
+farces she had often acted, telling a story full of fun and naughtiness
+at first, but ending with a sob of repentance and an earnest prayer for
+pardon.
+
+'Very good! Try again. Better than I expected,' called the voice of the
+oracle.
+
+Josie tried Portia's speech, and recited very well, giving due emphasis
+to each fine sentence. Then, unable to refrain from what she considered
+her greatest effort, she burst into Juliet's balcony scene, ending with
+the poison and the tomb. She felt sure that she surpassed herself, and
+waited for applause. A ringing laugh made her tingle with indignation
+and disappointment, as she went to stand before Miss Cameron, saying in
+a tone of polite surprise:
+
+'I have been told that I did it very well. I'm sorry you don't think
+so.'
+
+'My dear, it's very bad. How can it help being so? What can a child like
+you know of love and fear and death? Don't try it yet. Leave tragedy
+alone till you are ready for it.'
+
+'But you clapped Ophelia.'
+
+'Yes, that was very pretty. Any clever girl can do it effectively. But
+the real meaning of Shakespeare is far above you yet, child. The comedy
+bit was best. There you showed real talent. It was both comic and
+pathetic. That's art. Don't lose it. The Portia was good declamation.
+Go on with that sort of thing; it trains the voice--teaches shades of
+expression. You've a good voice and natural grace--great helps both,
+hard to acquire.'
+
+'Well, I'm glad I've got something,' sighed Josie, sitting meekly on a
+stool, much crestfallen, but not daunted yet, and bound to have her say
+out.
+
+'My dear little girl, I told you that you would not like what I should
+say to you; yet I must be honest if I would really help you. I've had to
+do it for many like you; and most of them have never forgiven me, though
+my words have proved true, and they are what I advised them to be--good
+wives and happy mothers in quiet homes. A few have kept on, and done
+fairly well. One you will hear of soon, I think; for she has talent,
+indomitable patience, and mind as well as beauty. You are too young
+to show to which class you belong. Geniuses are very rare, and even at
+fifteen seldom give much promise of future power.'
+
+'Oh, I don't think I'm a genius!' cried Josie, growing calm and sober as
+she listened to the melodious voice and looked into the expressive face
+that filled her with confidence, so strong, sincere, and kindly was it.
+'I only want to find out if I have talent enough to go on, and after
+years of study to be able to act well in any of the good plays people
+never tire of seeing. I don't expect to be a Mrs Siddons or a Miss
+Cameron, much as I long to be; but it does seem as if I had something
+in me which can't come out in any way but this. When I act I'm perfectly
+happy. I seem to live, to be in my own world, and each new part is a new
+friend. I love Shakespeare, and am never tired of his splendid people.
+Of course, I don't understand it all; but it's like being alone at night
+with the mountains and the stars, solemn and grand, and I try to imagine
+how it will look when the sun comes up, and all is glorious and clear to
+me. I can't see, but I feel the beauty, and long to express it.'
+
+As she spoke with the most perfect self-forgetfulness Josie was pale
+with excitement, her eyes shone, her lips trembled, and all her little
+soul seemed trying to put into words the emotions that filled it to
+overflowing. Miss Cameron understood, felt that this was something
+more than a girlish whim; and when she answered there was a new tone
+of sympathy in her voice, a new interest in her face, though she wisely
+refrained from saying all she thought, well knowing what splendid dreams
+young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the
+bright bubbles burst.
+
+'If you feel this, I can give you no better advice than to go on loving
+and studying our great master,' she said slowly; but Josie caught the
+changed tone, and felt, with a thrill of joy, that her new friend was
+speaking to her now as to a comrade. 'It is an education in itself, and
+a lifetime is not long enough to teach you all his secret. But there is
+much to do before you can hope to echo his words. Have you the patience,
+courage, strength, to begin at the beginning, and slowly, painfully, lay
+the foundation for future work? Fame is a pearl many dive for and only
+a few bring up. Even when they do, it is not perfect, and they sigh for
+more, and lose better things in struggling for them.'
+
+The last words seemed spoken more to herself than to her hearer, but
+Josie answered quickly, with a smile and an expressive gesture:
+
+'I got the bracelet in spite of all the bitter water in my eyes.'
+
+'You did! I don't forget it. A good omen. We will accept it.'
+
+Miss Cameron answered the smile with one that was like sunshine to the
+girl, and stretched her white hands as if taking some invisible gift.
+Then added in a different tone, watching the effect of her words on the
+expressive face before her:
+
+'Now you will be disappointed, for instead of telling you to come and
+study with me, or go and act in some second-rate theatre at once, I
+advise you to go back to school and finish your education. That is the
+first step, for all accomplishments are needed, and a single talent
+makes a very imperfect character. Cultivate mind and body, heart and
+soul, and make yourself an intelligent, graceful, beautiful, and healthy
+girl. Then, at eighteen or twenty, go into training and try your powers.
+Better start for the battle with your arms in order, and save the hard
+lesson which comes when we rush on too soon. Now and then genius carries
+all before it, but not often. We have to climb slowly, with many slips
+and falls. Can you wait as well as work?'
+
+'I will!'
+
+'We shall see. It would be pleasant to me to know that when I quit the
+stage I leave behind me a well-trained, faithful, gifted comrade to
+more than fill my place, and carry on what I have much at heart--the
+purification of the stage. Perhaps you are she; but remember, mere
+beauty and rich costumes do not make an actress, nor are the efforts of
+a clever little girl to play great characters real art. It is all dazzle
+and sham, and a disgrace and disappointment now. Why will the public be
+satisfied with opera bouffe, or the trash called society plays when
+a world of truth and beauty, poetry and pathos lies waiting to be
+interpreted and enjoyed?'
+
+Miss Cameron had forgotten to whom she spoke, and walked to and fro,
+full of the noble regret all cultivated people feel at the low state of
+the stage nowadays.
+
+'That's what Uncle Laurie says; and he and Aunt Jo try to plan plays
+about true and lovely things--simple domestic scenes that touch people's
+hearts, and make them laugh and cry and feel better. Uncle says that
+sort is my style, and I must not think of tragedy. But it's so much
+nicer to sweep about in crowns and velvet trains than to wear everyday
+clothes, and just be myself, though it is so easy.'
+
+'Yet that is high art, child, and what we need for a time till we are
+ready for the masters. Cultivate that talent of yours. It is a special
+gift, this power to bring tears and smiles, and a sweeter task to touch
+the heart than to freeze the blood or fire the imagination. Tell your
+uncle he is right, and ask your aunt to try a play for you. I'll come
+and see it when you are ready.'
+
+'Will you? Oh! will you? We are going to have some at Christmas, with a
+nice part for me. A simple little thing, but I can do it, and should be
+so proud, so happy to have you there.'
+
+Josie rose as she spoke, for a glance at the clock showed her that her
+call was a long one; and hard as it was to end this momentous interview,
+she felt that she must go. Catching up her hat she went to Miss Cameron,
+who stood looking at her so keenly that she felt as transparent as a
+pane of glass, and coloured prettily as she looked up, saying, with a
+grateful little tremor in her voice:
+
+'I can never thank you for this hour and all you have told me. I shall
+do just what you advise, and mamma will be very glad to see me settled
+at my books again. I can study now with all my heart, because it is to
+help me on; and I won't hope too much, but work and wait, and try to
+please you, as the only way to pay my debt.'
+
+'That reminds me that I have not paid mine. Little friend, wear this
+for my sake. It is fit for a mermaid, and will remind you of your first
+dive. May the next bring up a better jewel, and leave no bitter water on
+your lips!'
+
+As she spoke, Miss Cameron took from the lace at her throat a pretty
+pin of aquamarine, and fastened it like an order on Josie's proud bosom;
+then lifting the happy little face, she kissed it very tenderly, and
+watched it go smiling away with eyes that seemed to see into a future
+full of the trials and the triumphs which she knew so well.
+
+Bess expected to see Josie come flying in, all raptures and excitement,
+or drowned in tears of disappointment, but was surprised at the
+expression of calm content and resolution which she wore. Pride and
+satisfaction, and a new feeling of responsibility both sobered and
+sustained her, and she felt that any amount of dry study and long
+waiting would be bearable, if in the glorious future she could be
+an honour to her profession and a comrade to the new friend whom she
+already adored with girlish ardour.
+
+She told her little story to a deeply interested audience, and all
+felt that Miss Cameron's advice was good. Mrs Amy was relieved at the
+prospect of delay; for she did not want her niece to be an actress and
+hoped the fancy would die out.
+
+Uncle Laurie was full of charming plans and prophecies and wrote one
+of his most delightful notes to thank their neighbour for her kindness;
+while Bess, who loved art of all kinds, fully sympathized with her
+cousin's ambitious hopes, only wondering why she preferred to act out
+her visions rather than embody them in marble.
+
+That first interview was not the last; for Miss Cameron was really
+interested, and had several memorable conversations with the Laurences,
+while the girls sat by, drinking in every word with the delight all
+artists feel in their own beautiful world, and learning to see how
+sacred good gifts are, how powerful, and how faithfully they should be
+used for high ends, each in its own place helping to educate, refine,
+and refresh.
+
+Josie wrote reams to her mother; and when the visit ended rejoiced her
+heart by bringing her a somewhat changed little daughter, who fell to
+work at the once-detested books with a patient energy which surprised
+and pleased everyone. The right string had been touched, and even French
+exercises and piano practice became endurable, since accomplishments
+would be useful by and by; dress, manners, and habits were all
+interesting now, because 'mind and body, heart and soul, must be
+cultivated', and while training to become an 'intelligent, graceful,
+healthy girl', little Josie was unconsciously fitting herself to play
+her part well on whatever stage the great Manager might prepare for her.
+
+
+
+Chapter 9. THE WORM TURNS
+
+Two very superior bicycles went twinkling up the road to Plumfield
+one September afternoon, bearing two brown and dusty riders evidently
+returning from a successful run, for though their legs might be a trifle
+weary, their faces beamed as they surveyed the world from their lofty
+perches with the air of calm content all wheelmen wear after they have
+learned to ride; before that happy period anguish of mind and body is
+the chief expression of the manly countenance.
+
+'Go ahead and report, Tom; I'm due here. See you later,' said Demi,
+swinging himself down at the door of the Dovecote.
+
+'Don't peach, there's a good fellow. Let me have it out with Mother
+Bhaer first,' returned Tom, wheeling in at the gate with a heavy sigh.
+
+Demi laughed, and his comrade went slowly up the avenue, devoutly hoping
+that the coast was clear; for he was the bearer of tidings which would,
+he thought, convulse the entire family with astonishment and dismay.
+
+To his great joy Mrs Jo was discovered alone in a grove of proof-sheets,
+which she dropped, to greet the returning wanderer cordially. But after
+the first glance she saw that something was the matter, recent events
+having made her unusually sharp-eyed and suspicious.
+
+'What is it now, Tom?' she asked, as he subsided into an easy-chair with
+a curious expression of mingled fear, shame, amusement, and distress in
+his brick-red countenance.
+
+'I'm in an awful scrape, ma'am.'
+
+'Of course; I'm always prepared for scrapes when you appear. What is
+it? Run over some old lady who is going to law about it?' asked Mrs Jo
+cheerfully.
+
+'Worse than that,' groaned Tom.
+
+'Not poisoned some trusting soul who asked you to prescribe, I hope?'
+
+'Worse than that.'
+
+'You haven't let Demi catch any horrid thing and left him behind, have
+you?'
+
+'Worse even than that.'
+
+'I give it up. Tell me quick; I hate to wait for bad news.'
+
+Having got his listener sufficiently excited, Tom launched his
+thunderbolt in one brief sentence, and fell back to watch the effect.
+
+'I'm engaged!'
+
+Mrs Jo's proof-sheets flew wildly about as she clasped her hands,
+exclaiming in dismay:
+
+'If Nan has yielded, I'll never forgive her!'
+
+'She hasn't; it's another girl.'
+
+Tom's face was so funny as he said the words, that it was impossible
+to help laughing; for he looked both sheepish and pleased, besides very
+much perplexed and worried.
+
+'I'm glad, very glad indeed! Don't care who it is; and I hope you'll
+be married soon. Now tell me all about it,' commanded Mrs Jo, so much
+relieved that she felt ready for anything.
+
+'What will Nan say?' demanded Tom, rather taken aback at this view of
+his predicament.
+
+'She will be rejoiced to get rid of the mosquito who has plagued her so
+long. Don't worry about Nan. Who is this “other girl”?'
+
+'Demi hasn't written about her?'
+
+'Only something about your upsetting a Miss West down at Quitno; I
+thought that was scrape enough.'
+
+'That was only the beginning of a series of scrapes. Just my luck! Of
+course after sousing the poor girl I had to be attentive to her, hadn't
+I? Everyone seemed to think so, and I couldn't get away, and so I was
+lost before I knew it. It's all Demi's fault, he would stay there and
+fuss with his old photos, because the views were good and all the girls
+wanted to be taken. Look at these, will you, ma'am? That's the way we
+spent our time when we weren't playing tennis'; and Tom pulled a
+handful of pictures from his pocket, displaying several in which he was
+conspicuous, either holding a sun-umbrella over a very pretty young lady
+on the rocks, reposing at her feet in the grass, or perched on a piazza
+railing with other couples in seaside costumes and effective attitudes.
+
+'This is she of course?' asked Mrs Jo, pointing to the much-ruffled
+damsel with the jaunty hat, coquettish shoes, and racquet in her hand.
+
+'That's Dora. Isn't she lovely?' cried Tom, forgetting his tribulations
+for a moment and speaking with lover-like ardour.
+
+'Very nice little person to look at. Hope she is not a Dickens Dora?
+That curly crop looks like it.'
+
+'Not a bit; she's very smart; can keep house, and sew, and do lots
+of things, I assure you, ma'am. All the girls like her, and she's
+sweet-tempered and jolly, and sings like a bird, and dances beautifully,
+and loves books. Thinks yours are splendid, and made me talk about you
+no end.'
+
+'That last sentence is to flatter me and win my help to get you out of
+the scrape. Tell me first how you got in'; and Mrs Jo settled herself to
+listen with interest, never tired of boys' affairs.
+
+Tom gave his head a rousing rub all over to clear his wits, and plunged
+into his story with a will.
+
+'Well, we've met her before, but I didn't know she was there. Demi
+wanted to see a fellow, so we went, and finding it nice and cool rested
+over Sunday. Found some pleasant people and went out rowing; I had Dora,
+and came to grief on a confounded rock. She could swim, no harm done,
+only the scare and the spoilt gown. She took it well, and we got
+friendly at once--couldn't help it, scrambling into that beast of a boat
+while the rest laughed at us. Of course we had to stay another day to
+see that Dora was all right. Demi wanted to. Alice Heath is down there
+and two other girls from our college, so we sort of lingered along,
+and Demi kept taking pictures, and we danced, and got into a tennis
+tournament; and that was as good exercise as wheeling, we thought. Fact
+is, tennis is a dangerous game, ma'am. A great deal of courting goes
+on in those courts, and we fellows find that sort of “serving” mighty
+agreeable, don't you know?'
+
+'Not much tennis in my day, but I understand perfectly,' said Mrs Jo,
+enjoying it all as much as Tom did.
+
+'Upon my word, I hadn't the least idea of being serious,' he continued
+slowly, as if this part of his tale was hard to tell; 'but everyone else
+spooned, so I did. Dora seemed to like it and expect it, and of course
+I was glad to be agreeable. She thought I amounted to something, though
+Nan does not, and it was pleasant to be appreciated after years of
+snubbing. Yes, it was right down jolly to have a sweet girl smile at you
+all day, and blush prettily when you said a neat thing to her, and look
+glad when you came, sorry when you left, and admire all you did, and
+make you feel like a man and act your best. That's the sort of treatment
+a fellow enjoys and ought to get if he behaves himself; not frowns and
+cold shoulders year in and year out, and made to look like a fool when
+he means well, and is faithful, and has loved a girl ever since he was a
+boy. No, by Jove, it's not fair, and I won't stand it!'
+
+Tom waxed warm and eloquent as he thought over his wrongs, and bounced
+up to march about the room, wagging his head and trying to feel
+aggrieved as usual, but surprised to find that his heart did not ache a
+bit.
+
+'I wouldn't. Drop the old fancy, for it was nothing more, and take up
+the new one, if it is genuine. But how came you to propose, Tom, as you
+must have done to be engaged?' asked Mrs Jo, impatient for the crisis of
+the tale.
+
+'Oh, that was an accident. I didn't mean it at all; the donkey did it,
+and I couldn't get out of the scrape without hurting Dora's feelings,
+you see,' began Tom, seeing that the fatal moment had come.
+
+'So there were two donkeys in it, were there?' said Mrs Jo, foreseeing
+fun of some sort.
+
+'Don't laugh! It sounds funny, I know; but it might have been awful,'
+answered Tom darkly, though a twinkle of the eye showed that his love
+trials did not quite blind him to the comic side of the adventure.
+
+'The girls admired our new wheels, and of course we liked to show off.
+Took 'em to ride, and had larks generally. Well, one day, Dora was
+on behind, and we were going nicely along a good bit of road, when a
+ridiculous old donkey got right across the way. I thought he'd move, but
+he didn't, so I gave him a kick; he kicked back, and over we went in a
+heap, donkey and all. Such a mess! I thought only of Dora, and she had
+hysterics; at least, she laughed till she cried, and that beast brayed,
+and I lost my head. Any fellow would, with a poor girl gasping in the
+road, and he wiping her tears and begging pardon, not knowing whether
+her bones were broken or not. I called her my darling, and went on like
+a fool in my flurry, till she grew calmer, and said, with such a look:
+“I forgive you, Tom. Pick me up, and let us go on again.”
+
+'Wasn't that sweet now, after I'd upset her for the second time? It
+touched me to the heart; and I said I'd like to go on for ever with such
+an angel to steer for, and--well I don't know what I did say; but you
+might have knocked me down with a feather when she put her arm round my
+neck and whispered: “Tom, dear, with you I'm not afraid of any lions in
+the path.” She might have said donkeys; but she was in earnest, and she
+spared my feelings. Very nice of the dear girl; but there I am with two
+sweethearts on my hands, and in a deuce of a scrape.'
+
+Finding it impossible to contain herself another moment, Mrs Jo laughed
+till the tears ran down her cheeks at this characteristic episode; and
+after one reproachful look, which only added to her merriment, Tom burst
+into a jolly roar that made the room ring.
+
+'Tommy Bangs! Tommy Bangs! who but you could ever get into such a
+catastrophe?' said Mrs Jo, when she recovered her breath.
+
+'Isn't it a muddle all round, and won't everyone chaff me to death about
+it? I shall have to quit old Plum for a while,' answered Tom, as he
+mopped his face, trying to realize the full danger of his position.
+
+'No, indeed; I'll stand by you, for I think it the best joke of the
+season. But tell me how things ended. Is it really serious, or only a
+summer flirtation? I don't approve of them, but boys and girls will play
+with edged tools and cut their fingers.'
+
+'Well, Dora considers herself engaged, and wrote to her people at once.
+I couldn't say a word when she took it all in solemn earnest and seemed
+so happy. She's only seventeen, never liked anyone before, and is sure
+all will be all right; as her father knows mine, and we are both well
+off. I was so staggered that I said:
+
+'“Why, you can't love me really when we know so little of one another?”
+ But she answered right out of her tender little heart: “Yes, I do,
+dearly, Tom; you are so gay and kind and honest, I couldn't help it.”
+ Now, after that what could I do but go ahead and make her happy while I
+stayed, and trust to luck to straighten the snarl out afterwards?'
+
+'A truly Tomian way of taking things easy. I hope you told your father
+at once.'
+
+'Oh yes, I wrote off and broke it to him in three lines. I said: “Dear
+Father, I'm engaged to Dora West, and I hope she will suit the family.
+She suits me tip-top. Yours ever, Tom.” He was all right, never liked
+Nan, you know; but Dora will suit him down to the ground.' And Tom
+looked entirely satisfied with his own tact and taste.
+
+'What did Demi say to this rapid and funny lovemaking? Wasn't he
+scandalized?' asked Mrs Jo, trying not to laugh again as she thought of
+the unromantic spectacle of donkey, bicycle, boy, and girl all in the
+dust together.
+
+'Not a bit. He was immensely interested and very kind; talked to me like
+a father; said it was a good thing to steady a fellow, only I must be
+honest with her and myself and not trifle a moment. Demi is a regular
+Solomon, especially when he is in the same boat,' answered Tom, looking
+wise.
+
+'You don't mean--?' gasped Mrs Jo, in sudden alarm at the bare idea of
+more love-affairs just yet.
+
+'Yes, I do, please, ma'am; it's a regular sell all the way through, and
+I owe Demi one for taking me into temptation blindfold. He said he went
+to Quitno to see Fred Wallace, but he never saw the fellow. How could
+he, when Wallace was off in his yacht all the time we were there? Alice
+was the real attraction, and I was left to my fate, while they were
+maundering round with that old camera. There were three donkeys in
+this affair, and I'm not the worst one, though I shall have to bear the
+laugh. Demi will look innocent and sober, and no one will say a word to
+him.'
+
+'The midsummer madness has broken out, and no one knows who will be
+stricken next. Well, leave Demi to his mother, and let us see what you
+are going to do, Tom.'
+
+'I don't know exactly; it's awkward to be in love with two girls at
+once. What do you advise?'
+
+'A common-sense view of the case, by all means. Dora loves you and
+thinks you love her. Nan does not care for you, and you only care for
+her as a friend, though you have tried to do more. It is my opinion,
+Tom, that you love Dora, or are on the way to it; for in all these
+years I've never seen you look or speak about Nan as you do about Dora.
+Opposition has made you obstinately cling to her till accident has shown
+you a more attractive girl. Now, I think you had better take the old
+love for a friend, the new one for a sweetheart, and in due time, if the
+sentiment is genuine, marry her.'
+
+If Mrs Jo had any doubts about the matter, Tom's face would have proved
+the truth of her opinion; for his eyes shone, his lips smiled, and in
+spite of dust and sunburn a new expression of happiness quite glorified
+him as he stood silent for a moment, trying to understand the beautiful
+miracle which real love works when it comes to a young man's heart.
+
+'The fact is I meant to make Nan jealous, for she knows Dora, and I was
+sure would hear of our doings. I was tired of being walked on, and I
+thought I'd try to break away and not be a bore and a laughing-stock any
+more,' he said slowly, as if it relieved him to pour out his doubts and
+woes and hopes and joys to his old friend. 'I was regularly astonished
+to find it so easy and so pleasant. I didn't mean to do any harm,
+but drifted along beautifully, and told Demi to mention things in his
+letters to Daisy, so Nan might know. Then I forgot Nan altogether, and
+saw, heard, felt, cared for no one but Dora, till the donkey--bless his
+old heart!--pitched her into my arms and I found she loved me. Upon my
+soul, I don't see why she should! I'm not half good enough.'
+
+'Every honest man feels that when an innocent girl puts her hand in his.
+Make yourself worthy of her, for she isn't an angel, but a woman with
+faults of her own for you to bear, and forgive, and you must help one
+another,' said Mrs Jo, trying to realize that this sober youth was her
+scapegrace Tommy.
+
+'What troubles me is that I didn't mean it when I began, and was going
+to use the dear girl as an instrument of torture for Nan. It wasn't
+right, and I don't deserve to be so happy. If all my scrapes ended as
+well as this, what a state of bliss I should be in!' and Tom beamed
+again at the rapturous prospect.
+
+'My dear boy, it is not a scrape, but a very sweet experience suddenly
+dawning upon you,' answered Mrs Jo, speaking very soberly; for she saw
+he was in earnest. 'Enjoy it wisely and be worthy of it, for it is a
+serious thing to accept a girl's love and trust, and let her look up to
+you for tenderness and truth in return. Don't let little Dora look in
+vain, but be a man in all things for her sake, and make this affection a
+blessing to you both.'
+
+'I'll try. Yes, I do love her, only I can't believe it just yet. Wish
+you knew her. Dear little soul, I long to see her already! She cried
+when we parted last night and I hated to go.' Tom's hand went to his
+cheek as if he still felt the rosy little seal Dora had set upon his
+promise not to forget her, and for the first time in his happy-go-lucky
+life Tommy Bangs understood the difference between sentiment and
+sentimentality. The feeling recalled Nan, for he had never known that
+tender thrill when thinking of her, and the old friendship seemed rather
+a prosaic affair beside this delightful mingling of romance, surprise,
+love, and fun. 'I declare, I feel as if a weight was off me, but
+what the dickens will Nan say when she knows it!' he exclaimed with a
+chuckle.
+
+'Knows what?' asked a clear voice that made both start and turn, for
+there was Nan calmly surveying them from the doorway.
+
+Anxious to put Tom out of suspense and see how Nan would take the news,
+Mrs Jo answered quickly:
+
+'Tom's engagement to Dora West.'
+
+'Really?' and Nan looked so surprised that Mrs Jo was afraid she might
+be fonder of her old playmate than she knew; but her next words set the
+fear at rest, and made everything comfortable and merry at once.
+
+'I knew my prescription would work wonders if he only took it long
+enough. Dear old Tom, I'm so glad. Bless you! bless you!' And she shook
+both his hands with hearty affection.
+
+'It was an accident, Nan. I didn't mean to, but I'm always getting into
+messes, and I couldn't seem to get out of this any other way. Mother
+Bhaer will tell you all about it. I must go and make myself tidy. Going
+to tea with Demi. See you later.'
+
+Stammering, blushing, and looking both sheepish and gratified, Tom
+suddenly bolted, leaving the elder lady to enlighten the younger at
+length, and have another laugh over this new sort of courtship, which
+might well be called accidental. Nan was deeply interested, for she knew
+Dora, thought her a nice little thing, and predicted that in time she
+would make Tom an excellent wife, since she admired and 'appreciated'
+him so much.
+
+'I shall miss him of course, but it will be a relief to me and better
+for him; dangling is so bad for a boy. Now he will go into business
+with his father and do well, and everyone be happy. I shall give Dora an
+elegant family medicine-chest for a wedding-present, and teach her how
+to use it. Tom can't be trusted, and is no more fit for the profession
+than Silas.'
+
+The latter part of this speech relieved Mrs Jo's mind, for Nan had
+looked about her as if she had lost something valuable when she began;
+but the medicine-chest seemed to cheer her, and the thought of Tom in a
+safe profession was evidently a great comfort.
+
+'The worm has turned at last, Nan, and your bond-man is free. Let him
+go, and give your whole mind to your work; for you are fitted for
+the profession, and will be an honour to it by and by,' she said
+approvingly.
+
+'I hope so. That reminds me--measles are in the village, and you had
+better tell the girls not to call where there are children. It would
+be bad to have a run of them just as term begins. Now I'm off to Daisy.
+Wonder what she will say to Tom. Isn't he great fun?' And Nan departed,
+laughing over the joke with such genuine satisfaction that it was
+evident no sentimental regrets disturbed her 'maiden meditation,
+fancy-free'.
+
+'I shall have my eye on Demi, but won't say a word. Meg likes to manage
+her children in her own way, and a very good way it is. But the dear
+Pelican will be somewhat ruffled if her boy has caught the epidemic
+which seems to have broken out among us this summer.'
+
+Mrs Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady called
+love, which is apt to ravage communities, spring and autumn, when winter
+gaiety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets of engagements, and
+set young people to pairing off like the birds. Franz began it, Nat was
+a chronic and Tom a sudden case; Demi seemed to have the symptoms; and
+worst of all, her own Ted had only the day before calmly said to her:
+'Mum, I think I should be happier if I had a sweetheart, like the other
+boys.' If her cherished son had asked her for dynamite to play with, she
+would hardly have been more startled, or have more decidedly refused the
+absurd request.
+
+'Well, Barry Morgan said I ought to have one and offered to pick me out
+a nice one among our set. I asked Josie first, and she hooted at the
+idea, so I thought I'd let Barry look round. You say it steadies a
+fellow, and I want to be steady,' explained Ted in a serious tone, which
+would have convulsed his parent at any other time.
+
+'Good lack! What are we coming to in this fast age when babes and boys
+make such demands and want to play with one of the most sacred things in
+life?' exclaimed Mrs Jo, and having in a few words set the matter in its
+true light, sent her son away to wholesome baseball and Octoo for a safe
+sweetheart.
+
+Now, here was Tom's bomb-shell to explode in their midst, carrying
+widespread destruction, perhaps; for though one swallow does not make a
+summer, one engagement is apt to make several, and her boys were, most
+of them, at the inflammable age when a spark ignites the flame, which
+soon flickers and dies out, or burns warm and clear for life. Nothing
+could be done about it but to help them make wise choices, and be worthy
+of good mates. But of all the lessons Mrs Jo had tried to teach her
+boys, this great one was the hardest; for love is apt to make lunatics
+of even saints and sages, so young people cannot be expected to escape
+the delusions, disappointments, and mistakes, as well as the delights,
+of this sweet madness.
+
+'I suppose it is inevitable, since we live in America, so I won't borrow
+trouble, but hope that some of the new ideas of education will produce a
+few hearty, happy, capable, and intelligent girls for my lads. Lucky for
+me that I haven't the whole twelve on my hands, I should lose my wits if
+I had, for I foresee complications and troubles ahead worse than Tom's
+boats, bicycles, donkeys, and Doras,' meditated Mrs Jo, as she went back
+to her neglected proof-sheets.
+
+Tom was quite satisfied with the tremendous effect his engagement
+produced in the little community at Plumfield.
+
+'It was paralysing,' as Demi said; and astonishment left most of Tom's
+mates little breath for chaff. That he, the faithful one, should turn
+from the idol to strange goddesses, was a shock to the romantic and a
+warning to the susceptible. It was comical to see the airs our Thomas
+put on; for the most ludicrous parts of the affair were kindly buried in
+oblivion by the few who knew them, and Tom burst forth as a full-blown
+hero who had rescued the maiden from a watery grave, and won her
+gratitude and love by his daring deed. Dora kept the secret, and enjoyed
+the fun when she came to see Mother Bhaer and pay her respects to the
+family generally. Everyone liked her at once, for she was a gay and
+winning little soul; fresh, frank, and so happy, it was beautiful to see
+her innocent pride in Tom, who was a new boy, or man rather; for with
+this change in his life a great change took place in him. Jolly he would
+always be, and impulsive, but he tried to become all that Dora believed
+him, and his best side came uppermost for everyday wear. It was
+surprising to see how many good traits Tom had; and his efforts to
+preserve the manly dignity belonging to his proud position as an engaged
+man was very comical. So was the entire change from his former abasement
+and devotion to Nan to a somewhat lordly air with his little betrothed;
+for Dora made an idol of him, and resented the idea of a fault or a flaw
+in her Tom. This new state of things suited both, and the once blighted
+being bloomed finely in the warm atmosphere of appreciation, love, and
+confidence. He was very fond of the dear girl, but meant to be a slave
+no longer, and enjoyed his freedom immensely, quite unconscious that the
+great tyrant of the world had got hold of him for life.
+
+To his father's satisfaction he gave up his medical studies, and
+prepared to go into business with the old gentleman, who was a
+flourishing merchant, ready now to make the way smooth and smile upon
+his marriage with Mr West's well-endowed daughter. The only thorn in
+Tom's bed of roses was Nan's placid interest in his affairs, and evident
+relief at his disloyalty. He did not want her to suffer, but a decent
+amount of regret at the loss of such a lover would have gratified him;
+a slight melancholy, a word of reproach, a glance of envy as he passed
+with adoring Dora on his arm, seemed but the fitting tribute to such
+years of faithful service and sincere affection. But Nan regarded him
+with a maternal sort of air that nettled him very much, and patted
+Dora's curly head with a worldlywise air worthy of the withered
+spinster, Julia Mills, in David Copperfield.
+
+It took some time to get the old and the new emotions comfortably
+adjusted, but Mrs Jo helped him, and Mr Laurie gave him some wise advice
+upon the astonishing gymnastic feats the human heart can perform, and
+be all the better for it if it only held fast to the balancing-pole
+of truth and common sense. At last our Tommy got his bearings, and as
+autumn came on Plumfield saw but little of him; for his new lode star
+was in the city, and business kept him hard at work. He was evidently
+in his right place now, and soon throve finely, to his father's great
+contentment; for his jovial presence pervaded the once quiet office like
+a gale of fresh wind, and his lively wits found managing men and
+affairs much more congenial employment than studying disease, or playing
+unseemly pranks with skeletons.
+
+Here we will leave him for a time and turn to the more serious
+adventures of his mates, though this engagement, so merrily made, was
+the anchor which kept our mercurial Tom happy, and made a man of him.
+
+
+
+Chapter 10. DEMI SETTLES
+
+'Mother, can I have a little serious conversation with you?' asked Demi
+one evening, as they sat together enjoying the first fire of the season,
+while Daisy wrote letters upstairs and Josie was studying in the little
+library close by.
+
+'Certainly, dear. No bad news, I hope?' and Mrs Meg looked up from her
+sewing with a mixture of pleasure and anxiety on her motherly face; for
+she dearly loved a good talk with her son, and knew that he always had
+something worth telling.
+
+'It will be good news for you, I think,' answered Demi, smiling as he
+threw away his paper and went to sit beside her on the little sofa which
+just held two.
+
+'Let me hear it, then, at once.'
+
+'I know you don't like the reporting, and will be glad to hear that I
+have given it up.'
+
+'I am very glad! It is too uncertain a business, and there is no
+prospect of getting on for a long time. I want you settled in some good
+place where you can stay, and in time make money. I wish you liked a
+profession; but as you don't, any clean, well-established business will
+do.'
+
+'What do you say to a railroad office?'
+
+'I don't like it. A noisy, hurried kind of place, I know, with all sorts
+of rough men about. I hope it isn't that, dear?'
+
+'I could have it; but does book-keeping in a wholesale leather business
+please you better?'
+
+'No; you'll get round-shouldered writing at a tall desk; and they say,
+once a book-keeper always a book-keeper.'
+
+'How does a travelling agent suit your views?'
+
+'Not at all; with all those dreadful accidents, and the exposure and bad
+food as you go from place to place, you are sure to get killed or lose
+your health.'
+
+'I could be private secretary to a literary man; but the salary is
+small, and may end any time.'
+
+'That would be better, and more what I want. It isn't that I object to
+honest work of any kind; but I don't want my son to spend his best years
+grubbing for a little money in a dark office, or be knocked about in a
+rough-and-tumble scramble to get on. I want to see you in some business
+where your tastes and talents can be developed and made useful; where
+you can go on rising, and in time put in your little fortune and be a
+partner; so that your years of apprenticeship will not be wasted, but
+fit you to take your place among the honourable men who make their
+lives and work useful and respected. I talked it all over with your dear
+father when you were a child; and if he had lived he would have shown
+you what I mean, and helped you to be what he was.'
+
+Mrs Meg wiped away a quiet tear as she spoke; for the memory of her
+husband was a very tender one, and the education of his children had
+been a sacred task to which she gave all her heart and life, and so
+far she had done wonderfully well--as her good son and loving daughters
+tried to prove. Demi's arm was round her now, as he said, in a voice so
+like his father's that it was the sweetest music to her ear:
+
+'Mother dear, I think I have got just what you want for me; and it shall
+not be my fault if I don't become the man you hope to see me. Let me
+tell you all about it. I didn't say anything till it was sure because it
+would only worry you; but Aunt Jo and I have been on the look-out for it
+some time, and now it has come. You know her publisher, Mr Tiber, is one
+of the most successful men in the business; also generous, kind, and
+the soul of honour--as his treatment of Aunty proves. Well, I've rather
+hankered for that place; for I love books, and as I can't make them I'd
+like to publish them. That needs some literary taste and judgement, it
+brings you in contact with fine people, and is an education in itself.
+Whenever I go into that large, handsome room to see Mr Tiber for Aunt
+Jo, I always want to stay; for it's lined with books and pictures,
+famous men and women come and go, and Mr Tiber sits at his desk like
+a sort of king, receiving his subjects; for the greatest authors are
+humble to him, and wait his Yes or No with anxiety. Of course I've
+nothing to do with all that, and may never have; but I like to see it,
+and the atmosphere is so different from the dark offices and hurly-burly
+of many other trades, where nothing but money is talked about, that it
+seems another world, and I feel at home in it. Yes, I'd rather beat the
+door-mats and make fires there than be head clerk in the great hide and
+leather store at a big salary.' Here Demi paused for breath; and Mrs
+Meg, whose face had been growing brighter and brighter, exclaimed
+eagerly:
+
+'Just what I should like! Have you got it? Oh, my dear boy! your fortune
+is made if you go to that well-established and flourishing place, with
+those good men to help you along!'
+
+'I think I have, but we mustn't be too sure of anything yet. I may not
+suit; I'm only on trial, and must begin at the beginning and work my way
+up faithfully. Mr Tiber was very kind, and will push me on as fast as
+is fair to the other fellows, and as I prove myself fit to go up. I'm to
+begin the first of next month in the book-room, filling orders; and I
+go round and get orders, and do various other things of the sort. I like
+it. I am ready to do anything about books, if it's only to dust them,'
+laughed Demi, well pleased with his prospects, for, after trying various
+things, he seemed at last to have found the sort of work he liked, and a
+prospect that was very inviting to him.
+
+'You inherit that love of books from grandpa; he can't live without
+them. I'm glad of it. Tastes of that kind show a refined nature, and are
+both a comfort and a help all one's life. I am truly glad and grateful,
+John, that at last you want to settle, and have got such an entirely
+satisfactory place. Most boys begin much earlier; but I don't believe
+in sending them out to face the world so young, just when body and soul
+need home care and watchfulness. Now you are a man, and must begin your
+life for yourself. Do your best, and be as honest, useful, and happy as
+your father, and I won't care about making a fortune.'
+
+'I'll try, mother. Couldn't have a better chance; for Tiber & Co. treat
+their people like gentlemen, and pay generously for faithful work.
+Things are done in a businesslike way there, and that suits me. I hate
+promises that are not kept, and shiftless or tyrannical ways anywhere.
+Mr Tiber said: “This is only to teach you the ropes, Brooke; I shall
+have other work for you by and by.” Aunty told him I had done book
+notices, and had rather a fancy for literature; so though I can't
+produce any “works of Shakespeare”, as she says, I may get up some
+little things later. If I don't, I think it a very honourable and noble
+profession to select and give good books to the world; and I'm satisfied
+to be a humble helper in the work.'
+
+'I'm glad you feel so. It adds so much to one's happiness to love the
+task one does. I used to hate teaching; but housekeeping for my own
+family was always sweet, though much harder in many ways. Isn't Aunt Jo
+pleased about all this?' asked Mrs Meg, already seeing in her mind's
+eye a splendid sign with 'Tiber, Brooke & Co.' over the door of a famous
+publishing house.
+
+'So pleased that I could hardly keep her from letting the cat out of the
+bag too soon. I've had so many plans, and disappointed you so often, I
+wanted to be very sure this time. I had to bribe Rob and Ted to keep her
+at home tonight till I'd told my news, she was eager to rush down and
+tell you herself. The castles that dear woman has built for me would
+fill all Spain, and have kept us jolly while we waited to know our fate.
+Mr Tiber doesn't do things in a hurry; but when he makes up his mind,
+you are all right; and I feel that I am fairly launched.'
+
+'Bless you, dear, I hope so! It is a happy day for me, because I've been
+so anxious lest, with all my care, I have been too easy and indulgent,
+and my boy, with his many good gifts, might fritter his time away in
+harmless but unsatisfactory things. Now I am at ease about you. If
+only Daisy can be happy, and Josie give up her dream, I shall be quite
+contented.'
+
+Demi let his mother enjoy herself for a few minutes, while he smiled
+over a certain little dream of his own, not ready yet for the telling;
+then he said, in the paternal tone which he unconsciously used when
+speaking of his sisters:
+
+'I'll see to the girls; but I begin to think grandpa is right in
+saying we must each be what God and nature makes us. We can't change it
+much--only help to develop the good and control the bad elements in us.
+I have fumbled my way into my right place at last, I hope. Let Daisy be
+happy in her way, since it is a good and womanly one. If Nat comes home
+all right, I'd say: “Bless you, my children,” and give them a nest of
+their own. Then you and I will help little Jo to find out if it is to be
+“All the world's a stage” or “Home, sweet home”, for her.'
+
+'I suppose we must, John; but I can't help making plans, and hoping they
+will come to pass. I see that Daisy is bound up in Nat; and if he is
+worthy of her I shall let them be happy in their own way, as my parents
+let me. But Josie will be a trial, I foresee; and much as I love the
+stage, and always did, I don't see how I can ever let my little girl be
+an actress, though she certainly has great talent for it.'
+
+'Whose fault is that?' asked Demi, smiling, as he remembered his
+mother's early triumphs and unquenchable interest in the dramatic
+efforts of the young people round her.
+
+'Mine, I know. How could it be otherwise when I acted Babes in the Wood
+with you and Daisy before you could speak, and taught Josie to declaim
+Mother Goose in her cradle. Ah, me! the tastes of the mother come out in
+her children, and she must atone for them by letting them have their own
+way, I suppose.' And Mrs Meg laughed, even while she shook her head over
+the undeniable fact that the Marches were a theatrical family.
+
+'Why not have a great actress of our name, as well as an authoress, a
+minister, and an eminent publisher? We don't choose our talents, but we
+needn't hide them in a napkin because they are not just what we want. I
+say, let Jo have her way, and do what she can. Here am I to take care of
+her; and you can't deny you'd enjoy fixing her furbelows, and seeing her
+shine before the footlights, where you used to long to be. Come, mother,
+better face the music and march gaily, since your wilful children will
+“gang their ain gait”.'
+
+'I don't see but I must, and “leave the consequences to the Lord”, as
+Marmee used to say when she had to decide, and only saw a step of the
+road. I should enjoy it immensely, if I could only feel that the life
+would not hurt my girl, and leave her unsatisfied when it was too late
+to change; for nothing is harder to give up than the excitements of that
+profession. I know something of it; and if your blessed father had not
+come along, I'm afraid I should have been an actress in spite of Aunt
+March and all our honoured ancestors.'
+
+'Let Josie add new honour to the name, and work out the family talent
+in its proper place. I'll play dragon to her, and you play nurse, and
+no harm can come to our little Juliet, no matter how many Romeos spoon
+under her balcony. Really, ma'am, opposition comes badly from an old
+lady who is going to wring the hearts of our audience in the heroine's
+part in Aunty's play next Christmas. It's the most pathetic thing I
+ever saw, mother; and I'm sorry you didn't become an actress, though we
+should be nowhere if you had.'
+
+Demi was on his legs now, with his back to the fire, in the lordly
+attitude men like to assume when things go well with them, or they want
+to lay down the law on any subject.
+
+Mrs Meg actually blushed at her son's hearty praise, and could not
+deny that the sound of applause was as sweet now as when she played the
+Witch's Curse and The Moorish Maiden's Vow long years ago.
+
+'It's perfectly absurd for me to do it, but I couldn't resist when Jo
+and Laurie made the part for me, and you children were to act in it. The
+minute I get on the old mother's dress I forget myself and feel the same
+thrill at the sound of the bell that I used to feel when we got up plays
+in the garret. If Daisy would only take the daughter's part it would
+be so complete; for with you and Josie I am hardly acting, it is all so
+real.'
+
+'Especially the hospital scene, where you find the wounded son. Why,
+mother, do you know when we did that at last rehearsal my face was wet
+with real tears as you cried over me. It will bring down the house; but
+don't forget to wipe 'em off, or I shall sneeze,' said Demi, laughing at
+the recollection of his mother's hit.
+
+'I won't; but it almost broke my heart to see you so pale and dreadful.
+I hope there will never be another war in my time, for I should have to
+let you go; and I never want to live through the same experience we had
+with father.'
+
+'Don't you think Alice does the part better than Daisy would? Daisy
+hasn't a bit of the actress in her, and Alice puts life into the dullest
+words she speaks. I think the Marquise is just perfect in our piece,'
+said Demi, strolling about the room as if the warmth of the fire sent a
+sudden colour to his face.
+
+'So do I. She is a dear girl, and I'm proud and fond of her. Where is
+she tonight?'
+
+'Pegging away at her Greek, I suppose. She usually is in the evening.
+More's the pity,' added Demi, in a low tone, as he stared intently at
+the book-case, though he couldn't read a title.
+
+'Now, there is a girl after my own heart. Pretty, well-bred,
+well-educated, and yet domestic, a real companion as well as help-meet
+for some good and intelligent man. I hope she will find one.'
+
+'So do I,' muttered Demi.
+
+Mrs Meg had taken up her work again, and was surveying a half-finished
+buttonhole with so much interest that her son's face escaped her eye. He
+shed a beaming smile upon the rows of poets, as if even in their glass
+prison they could sympathize and rejoice with him at the first rosy dawn
+of the great passion which they knew so well. But Demi was a wise youth,
+and never leaped before looking carefully. He hardly knew his own heart
+yet, and was contented to wait till the sentiment, the fluttering of
+those folded wings he began to feel, should escape from the chrysalis
+and be ready to soar away in the sunshine to seek and claim its lovely
+mate. He had said nothing; but the brown eyes were eloquent, and there
+was an unconscious underplot to all the little plays he and Alice Heath
+acted so well together. She was busy with her books, bound to graduate
+with high honours, and he was trying to do the same in that larger
+college open to all, and where each man has his own prize to win or
+lose. Demi had nothing but himself to offer and, being a modest youth,
+considered that a poor gift till he had proved his power to earn his
+living, and the right to take a woman's happiness into his keeping.
+
+No one guessed that he had caught the fever except sharp-eyed Josie, and
+she, having a wholesome fear of her brother--who could be rather awful
+when she went too far--wisely contented herself with watching him like a
+little cat, ready to pounce on the first visible sign of weakness. Demi
+had taken to playing pensively upon his flute after he was in his
+room for the night, making this melodious friend his confidante, and
+breathing into it all the tender hopes and fears that filled his heart.
+Mrs Meg, absorbed in domestic affairs, and Daisy, who cared for no music
+but Nat's violin, paid no heed to these chamber concerts, but Josie
+always murmured to herself, with a naughty chuckle, 'Dick Swiveller is
+thinking of his Sophy Wackles,' and bided her time to revenge certain
+wrongs inflicted upon her by Demi, who always took Daisy's side when she
+tried to curb the spirits of her unruly little sister.
+
+This evening she got her chance, and made the most of it. Mrs Meg was
+just rounding off her buttonhole, and Demi still strolling restlessly
+about the room, when a book was heard to slam in the study, followed by
+an audible yawn and the appearance of the student looking as if sleep
+and a desire for mischief were struggling which should be master.
+
+'I heard my name; have you been saying anything bad about me?' she
+demanded, perching on the arm of an easychair.
+
+Her mother told the good news, over which Josie duly rejoiced, and Demi
+received her congratulations with a benignant air which made her feel
+that too much satisfaction was not good for him, and incited her to put
+a thorn into his bed of roses at once.
+
+'I caught something about the play just now, and I want to tell you that
+I'm going to introduce a song into my part to liven it up a bit. How
+would this do?' and seating herself at the piano she began to sing to
+these words the air of 'Kathleen Mavourneen':
+
+    'Sweetest of maidens, oh, how can I tell
+     The love that transfigures the whole earth to me?
+     The longing that causes my bosom to swell,
+     When I dream of a life all devoted to thee?'
+
+She got no further, for Demi, red with wrath, made a rush at her, and
+the next moment a very agile young person was seen dodging round tables
+and chairs with the future partner of Tiber & Co. in hot pursuit. 'You
+monkey, how dare you meddle with my papers?' cried the irate poet,
+making futile grabs at the saucy girl, who skipped to and fro, waving a
+bit of paper tantalizingly before him.
+
+'Didn't; found it in the big “Dic”. Serves you right if you leave your
+rubbish about. Don't you like my song? It's very pretty.'
+
+'I'll teach you one that you won't like if you don't give me my
+property.'
+
+'Come and get it if you can'; and Josie vanished into the study to have
+out her squabble in peace, for Mrs Meg was already saying:
+
+'Children, children! don't quarrel.'
+
+The paper was in the fire by the time Demi arrived and he at once calmed
+down, seeing that the bone of contention was out of the way.
+
+'I'm glad it's burnt; I don't care for it, only some verse I was trying
+to set to music for one of the girls. But I'll trouble you to let my
+papers alone, or I shall take back the advice I gave mother tonight
+about allowing you to act as much as you like.'
+
+Josie was sobered at once by this dire threat, and in her most wheedling
+tone begged to know what he had said. By way of heaping coals of fire
+on her head he told her, and this diplomatic performance secured him an
+ally on the spot.
+
+'You dear old boy! I'll never tease you again though you moon and spoon
+both day and night. If you stand by me, I'll stand by you and never say
+a word. See here! I've got a note for you from Alice. Won't that be a
+peace-offering and soothe your little feelings?'
+
+Demi's eyes sparkled as Josie held up a paper cocked hat, but as he
+knew what was probably in it, he took the wind out of Josie's sails, and
+filled her with blank astonishment by saying carelessly:
+
+'That's nothing; it's only to say whether she will go to the concert
+with us tomorrow night. You can read it if you like.'
+
+With the natural perversity of her sex Josie ceased to be curious the
+moment she was told to read it, and meekly handed it over; but she
+watched Demi as he calmly read the two lines it contained and then threw
+it into the fire. 'Why, Jack, I thought you'd treasure every scrap the
+“sweetest maid” touched. Don't you care for her?'
+
+'Very much; we all do; but “mooning and spooning”, as you elegantly
+express it, is not in my line. My dear little girl, your plays make you
+romantic, and because Alice and I act lovers sometimes you take it into
+your silly head that we are really so. Don't waste time hunting mares
+nests, but attend to your own affairs and leave me to mine. I forgive
+you, but don't do it again; it's bad taste, and tragedy queens don't
+romp.'
+
+The last cut finished Josie; she humbly begged pardon and went off to
+bed, while Demi soon followed, feeling that he had not only settled
+himself but his too inquisitive little sister also. But if he had seen
+her face as she listened to the soft wailing of his flute he would not
+have been so sure, for she looked as cunning as a magpie as she said,
+with a scornful sniff: 'Pooh, you can't deceive me; I know Dick is
+serenading Sophy Wackles.'
+
+
+
+Chapter 11. EMIL'S THANKSGIVING
+
+The Brenda was scudding along with all sail set to catch the rising
+wind, and everyone on board was rejoicing, for the long voyage was
+drawing towards an end.
+
+'Four weeks more, Mrs Hardy, and we'll give you a cup of tea such as you
+never had before,' said second mate Hoffmann, as he paused beside two
+ladies sitting in a sheltered corner of the deck.
+
+'I shall be glad to get it, and still gladder to put my feet on solid
+ground,' answered the elder lady, smiling; for our friend Emil was
+a favourite, as well he might be, since he devoted himself to the
+captain's wife and daughter, who were the only passengers on board.
+
+'So shall I, even if I have to wear a pair of shoes like Chinese junks.
+I've tramped up and down the deck so much, I shall be barefooted if
+we don't arrive soon,' laughed Mary, the daughter, showing two shabby
+little boots as she glanced up at the companion of these tramps,
+remembering gratefully how pleasant he had made them.
+
+'Don't think there are any small enough in China,' answered Emil, with a
+sailor's ready gallantry, privately resolving to hunt up the handsomest
+shoes he could find the moment he landed.
+
+'I don't know what you would have done for exercise, dear, if Mr
+Hoffmann had not made you walk every day. This lazy life is bad for
+young people, though it suits an old body like me well enough in calm
+weather. Is this likely to be a gale, think ye?' added Mrs Hardy, with
+an anxious glance at the west, where the sun was setting redly.
+
+'Only a capful of wind, ma'am, just enough to send us along lively,'
+answered Emil, with a comprehensive glance aloft and alow.
+
+'Please sing, Mr Hoffmann, it's so pleasant to have music at this
+time. We shall miss it very much when we get ashore,' said Mary, in
+a persuasive tone which would have won melody from a shark, if such a
+thing were possible.
+
+Emil had often blessed his one accomplishment during these months, for
+it cheered the long days, and made the twilight hour his happiest
+time, wind and weather permitting. So now he gladly tuned his pipe, and
+leaning on the taffrail near the girl, watched the brown locks blowing
+in the wind as he sang her favourite song:
+
+    'Give me freshening breeze, my boys,
+     A white and swelling sail,
+     A ship that cuts the dashing waves,
+     And weathers every gale.
+     What life is like a sailor's life,
+     So free, so bold, so brave?
+     His home the ocean's wide expanse,
+     A coral bed his grave.'
+
+Just as the last notes of the clear, strong voice died away, Mrs Hardy
+suddenly exclaimed: 'What's that?' Emil's quick eye saw at once the
+little puff of smoke coming up a hatchway where no smoke should be, and
+his heart seemed to stand still for an instant as the dread word 'Fire!'
+flashed through his mind. Then he was quite steady, and strolled away
+saying quietly:
+
+'Smoking not allowed there, I'll go and stop it.' But the instant he
+was out of sight his face changed, and he leaped down the hatchway,
+thinking, with a queer smile on his lips: 'If we are afire, shouldn't
+wonder if I did make a coral bed my grave!'
+
+He was gone a few minutes, and when he came up, half stifled with smoke,
+he was as white as a very brown man could be, but calm and cool as he
+went to report to the captain.
+
+'Fire in the hold, sir.'
+
+'Don't frighten the women,' was Captain Hardy's first order; then both
+be stirred themselves to discover how strong the treacherous enemy was,
+and to rout it if possible.
+
+The Brenda's cargo was a very combustible one, and in spite of the
+streams of water poured into the hold it was soon evident that the ship
+was doomed. Smoke began to ooze up between the planks everywhere, and
+the rising gale soon fanned the smouldering fire to flames that began
+to break out here and there, telling the dreadful truth too plainly for
+anyone to hide. Mrs Hardy and Mary bore the shock bravely when told to
+be ready to quit the ship at a minute's notice; the boats were hastily
+prepared, and the men worked with a will to batten down every loophole
+whence the fire might escape. Soon the poor Brenda was a floating
+furnace, and the order to 'Take to the boats!' came for all. The women
+first, of course, and it was fortunate that, being a merchantman, there
+were no more passengers on board, so there was no panic, and one after
+the other the boats pushed off. That in which the women were lingered
+near, for the brave captain would be the last to leave his ship.
+
+Emil stayed by him till ordered away, and reluctantly obeyed; but it was
+well for him he went, for just as he had regained the boat, rocking far
+below, half hidden by a cloud of smoke, a mast, undermined by the
+fire now raging in the bowels of the ship, fell with a crash, knocking
+Captain Hardy overboard. The boat soon reached him as he floated out
+from the wreck, and Emil sprung into the sea to rescue him, for he was
+wounded and senseless. This accident made it necessary for the young man
+to take command, and he at once ordered the men to pull for their lives,
+as an explosion might occur at any moment.
+
+The other boats were out of danger and all lingered to watch the
+splendid yet awesome spectacle of the burning ship alone on the wide
+sea, reddening the night and casting a lurid glare upon the water, where
+floated the frail boats filled with pale faces, all turned for a last
+look at the fated Brenda, slowly settling to her watery grave. No one
+saw the end, however, for the gale soon swept the watchers far away and
+separated them, some never to meet again till the sea gives up its dead.
+
+The boat whose fortunes we must follow was alone when dawn came up,
+showing these survivors all the dangers of their situation. Food and
+water had been put in, and such provision for comfort and safety as time
+allowed; but it was evident that with a badly wounded man, two women,
+and seven sailors, their supply would not last long, and help was sorely
+needed. Their only hope was in meeting a ship, although the gale, which
+had raged all night, had blown them out of their course. To this hope
+all clung, and wiled away the weary hours, watching the horizon and
+cheering one another with prophecies of speedy rescue.
+
+Second mate Hoffmann was very brave and helpful, though his unexpected
+responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders; for the captain's state
+seemed desperate, the poor wife's grief wrung his heart, and the blind
+confidence of the young girl in his power to save them made him feel
+that no sign of doubt or fear must lessen it. The men did their part
+readily now, but Emil knew that if starvation and despair made brutes of
+them, his task might be a terrible one. So he clutched his courage with
+both hands, kept up a manly front, and spoke so cheerily of their good
+chances, that all instinctively turned to him for guidance and support.
+
+The first day and night passed in comparative comfort, but when the
+third came, things looked dark and hope began to fail. The wounded man
+was delirious, the wife worn out with anxiety and suspense, the girl
+weak for want of food, having put away half her biscuit for her mother,
+and given her share of water to wet her father's feverish lips. The
+sailors ceased rowing and sat grimly waiting, openly reproaching their
+leader for not following their advice, others demanding more food, all
+waxing dangerous as privation and pain brought out the animal instincts
+lurking in them. Emil did his best, but mortal man was helpless there,
+and he could only turn his haggard face from the pitiless sky, that
+dropped no rain for their thirst, to the boundless sea where no sail
+appeared to gladden their longing eyes. All day he tried to cheer and
+comfort them, while hunger gnawed, thirst parched, and growing fear lay
+heavy at his heart. He told stories to the men, implored them to bear up
+for the helpless women's sake, and promised rewards if they would pull
+while they had strength to regain the lost route, as nearly as he could
+make it out, and increase their chance of rescue. He rigged an awning
+of sailcloth over the suffering man and tended him like a son, comforted
+the wife, and tried to make the pale girl forget herself, by singing
+every song he knew or recounting his adventures by land and sea, till
+she smiled and took heart; for all ended well.
+
+The fourth day came and the supply of food and water was nearly gone.
+Emil proposed to keep it for the sick man and the women, but two of the
+men rebelled, demanding their share. Emil gave up his as an example, and
+several of the good fellows followed it, with the quiet heroism which so
+often crops up in rough but manly natures. This shamed the others,
+and for another day an ominous peace reigned in that little world of
+suffering and suspense. But during the night, while Emil, worn out with
+fatigue, left the watch to the most trustworthy sailor, that he might
+snatch an hour's rest, these two men got at the stores and stole the
+last of the bread and water, and the one bottle of brandy, which was
+carefully hoarded to keep up their strength and make the brackish water
+drinkable. Half mad with thirst, they drank greedily and by morning one
+was in a stupor, from which he never woke; the other so crazed by
+the strong stimulant, that when Emil tried to control him, he leaped
+overboard and was lost. Horror-stricken by this terrible scene, the
+other men were submissive henceforth, and the boat floated on and on
+with its sad freight of suffering souls and bodies.
+
+Another trial came to them that left all more despairing than before. A
+sail appeared, and for a time a frenzy of joy prevailed, to be turned
+to bitterest disappointment when it passed by, too far away to see
+the signals waved to them or hear the frantic cries for help that rang
+across the sea. Emil's heart sank then, for the captain seemed dying,
+and the women could not hold out much longer. He kept up till night
+came; then in the darkness, broken only by the feeble murmuring of the
+sick man, the whispered prayers of the poor wife, the ceaseless swash of
+waves, Emil hid his face, and had an hour of silent agony that aged him
+more than years of happy life could have done. It was not the physical
+hardship that daunted him, though want and weakness tortured him; it was
+his dreadful powerlessness to conquer the cruel fate that seemed hanging
+over them. The men he cared little for, since these perils were but a
+part of the life they chose; but the master he loved, the good woman who
+had been so kind to him, the sweet girl whose winsome presence had made
+the long voyage so pleasant for them all--if he could only save these
+dear and innocent creatures from a cruel death, he felt that he could
+willingly give his life for them.
+
+As he sat there with his head in his hands, bowed down by the first
+great trial of his young life, the starless sky overhead, the restless
+sea beneath, and all around him suffering, for which he had no help, a
+soft sound broke the silence, and he listened like one in a dream. It
+was Mary singing to her mother, who lay sobbing in her arms, spent with
+this long anguish. A very faint and broken voice it was, for the poor
+girl's lips were parched with thirst; but the loving heart turned
+instinctively to the great Helper in this hour of despair, and He heard
+her feeble cry. It was a sweet old hymn often sung at Plumfield; and as
+he listened, all the happy past came back so clearly that Emil forgot
+the bitter present, and was at home again. His talk on the housetop
+with Aunt Jo seemed but yesterday, and, with a pang of self-reproach, he
+thought:
+
+'The scarlet strand! I must remember it, and do my duty to the end.
+Steer straight, old boy; and if you can't come into port, go down with
+all sail set.'
+
+Then, as the soft voice crooned on to lull the weary woman to a
+fitful sleep, Emil for a little while forgot his burden in a dream of
+Plumfield. He saw them all, heard the familiar voices, felt the grip of
+welcoming hands, and seemed to say to himself: 'Well, they shall not be
+ashamed of me if I never see them any more.'
+
+A sudden shout startled him from that brief rest, and a drop on his
+forehead told him that the blessed rain had come at last, bringing
+salvation with it; for thirst is harder to bear than hunger, heat, or
+cold. Welcomed by cries of joy, all lifted up their parched lips, held
+out their hands, and spread their garments to catch the great drops that
+soon came pouring down to cool the sick man's fever, quench the agony of
+thirst, and bring refreshment to every weary body in the boat. All night
+it fell, all night the castaways revelled in the saving shower, and took
+heart again, like dying plants revived by heaven's dew. The clouds broke
+away at dawn, and Emil sprung up, wonderfully braced and cheered by
+those hours of silent gratitude for this answer to their cry for help.
+But this was not all; as his eye swept the horizon, clear against the
+rosy sky shone the white sails of a ship, so near that they could see
+the pennon at her mast-head and black figures moving on the deck.
+
+One cry broke from all those eager throats, and rang across the sea, as
+every man waved hat or handkerchief and the women stretched imploring
+hands towards this great white angel of deliverance coming down upon
+them as if the fresh wind filled every sail to help her on.
+
+No disappointment now; answering signals assured them of help; and in
+the rapture of that moment the happy women fell on Emil's neck,
+giving him his reward in tears and blessings as their grateful hearts
+overflowed. He always said that was the proudest moment of his life,
+as he stood there holding Mary in his arms; for the brave girl, who had
+kept up so long, broke down then, and clung to him half fainting; while
+her mother busied herself about the invalid, who seemed to feel the
+joyful stir, and gave an order, as if again on the deck of his lost
+ship.
+
+It was soon over; and then all were safely aboard the good Urania,
+homeward bound. Emil saw his friends in tender hands, his men among
+their mates, and told the story of the wreck before he thought of
+himself. The savoury odour of the soup, carried by to the cabin for the
+ladies, reminded him that he was starving, and a sudden stagger
+betrayed his weakness. He was instantly borne away, to be half killed by
+kindness, and being fed, clothed, and comforted, was left to rest. Just
+as the surgeon left the state-room, he asked in his broken voice: 'What
+day is this? My head is so confused, I've lost my reckoning.'
+
+'Thanksgiving Day, man! And we'll give you a regular New England dinner,
+if you'll eat it,' answered the surgeon heartily.
+
+But Emil was too spent to do anything, except lie still and give thanks,
+more fervently and gratefully than ever before, for the blessed gift of
+life, which was the sweeter for a sense of duty faithfully performed.
+
+
+
+Chapter 12. DAN'S CHRISTMAS
+
+Where was Dan? In prison. Alas for Mrs Jo! how her heart would have
+ached if she had known that while old Plum shone with Christmas cheer
+her boy sat alone in his cell, trying to read the little book she
+gave him, with eyes dimmed now and then by the hot tears no physical
+suffering had ever wrung from him, and longing with a homesick heart for
+all that he had lost.
+
+Yes, Dan was in prison; but no cry for help from him as he faced the
+terrible strait he was in with the dumb despair of an Indian at the
+stake; for his own bosom sin had brought him there, and this was to
+be the bitter lesson that tamed the lawless spirit and taught him
+self-control.
+
+The story of his downfall is soon told; for it came, as so often
+happens, just when he felt unusually full of high hopes, good
+resolutions, and dreams of a better life. On his journey he met a
+pleasant young fellow, and naturally felt an interest in him, as
+Blair was on his way to join his elder brothers on a ranch in Kansas.
+Card-playing was going on in the smoking-car, and the lad--for he was
+barely twenty--tired with the long journey, beguiled the way with such
+partners as appeared, being full of spirits, and a little intoxicated
+with the freedom of the West. Dan, true to his promise, would not join,
+but watched with intense interest the games that went on, and soon made
+up his mind that two of the men were sharpers anxious to fleece the boy,
+who had imprudently displayed a well-filled pocket-book. Dan always had
+a soft spot in his heart for any younger, weaker creature whom he met,
+and something about the lad reminded him of Teddy; so he kept an eye on
+Blair, and warned him against his new friends.
+
+Vainly, of course; for when all stopped overnight in one of the great
+cities, Dan missed the boy from the hotel whither he had taken him
+for safe-keeping; and learning who had come for him, went to find him,
+calling himself a fool for his pains, yet unable to leave the confiding
+boy to the dangers that surrounded him.
+
+He found him gambling in a low place with the men, who were bound to
+have his money; and by the look of relief on Blair's anxious face when
+he saw him Dan knew without words that things were going badly with him,
+and he saw the peril too late.
+
+'I can't come yet--I've lost; it's not my money; I must get it back, or
+I dare not face my brothers,' whispered the poor lad, when Dan begged
+him to get away without further loss. Shame and fear made him desperate;
+and he played on, sure that he could recover the money confided to
+his care. Seeing Dan's resolute face, keen eye, and travelled air, the
+sharpers were wary, played fair, and let the boy win a little; but they
+had no mind to give up their prey, and finding that Dan stood sentinel
+at the boy's back, an ominous glance was exchanged between them, which
+meant:
+
+'We must get this fellow out of the way.'
+
+Dan saw it, and was on his guard; for he and Blair were strangers, evil
+deeds are easily done in such places, and no tales told. But he would
+not desert the boy, and still kept watch of every card till he plainly
+detected false play, and boldly said so. High words passed, Dan's
+indignation overcame his prudence; and when the cheat refused to restore
+his plunder with insulting words and drawn pistol, Dan's hot temper
+flashed out, and he knocked the man down with a blow that sent him
+crashing head first against a stove, to roll senseless and bleeding to
+the floor. A wild scene followed, but in the midst of it Dan whispered
+to the boy: 'Get away, and hold your tongue. Don't mind me.'
+
+Frightened and bewildered, Blair quitted the city at once, leaving Dan
+to pass the night in the lock-up, and a few days later to stand in court
+charged with manslaughter; for the man was dead. Dan had no friends, and
+having once briefly told the story, held his peace, anxious to keep all
+knowledge of this sad affair from those at home. He even concealed his
+name--giving that of David Kent, as he had done several times before in
+emergencies. It was all over very soon; but as there were extenuating
+circumstances his sentence was a year in prison, with hard labour.
+
+Dazed by the rapidity with which this horrible change in his life came
+upon him, Dan did not fully realize it till the iron door clanged behind
+him and he sat alone in a cell as narrow, cold, and silent as a tomb. He
+knew that a word would bring Mr Laurie to help and comfort him; but he
+could not bear to tell of this disgrace, or see the sorrow and the shame
+it would cause the friends who hoped so much for him.
+
+'No,' he said, clenching his fist, 'I'll let them think me dead first.
+I shall be if I am kept here long'; and he sprang up to pace the stone
+floor like a caged lion, with a turmoil of wrath and grief, rebellion
+and remorse, seething in heart and brain, till he felt as if he should
+go mad and beat upon the walls that shut him away from the liberty which
+was his life. For days he suffered terribly, then worn out, sank into a
+black melancholy sadder to see than his excitement.
+
+The warden of this prison was a rough man who had won the ill will of
+all by unnecessary harshness, but the chaplain was full of sympathy, and
+did his hard duty faithfully and tenderly. He laboured with poor Dan,
+but seemed to make no impression, and was forced to wait till work had
+soothed the excited nerves and captivity tamed the proud spirit that
+would suffer but not complain.
+
+Dan was put in the brush-shop, and feeling that activity was his only
+salvation, worked with a feverish energy that soon won the approval of
+the master and the envy of less skilful mates. Day after day he sat in
+his place, watched by an armed overseer, forbidden any but necessary
+words, no intercourse with the men beside him, no change but from cell
+to shop, no exercise but the dreary marches to and fro, each man's hand
+on the other's shoulder keeping step with the dreary tramp so different
+from the ringing tread of soldiers. Silent, gaunt, and grim, Dan did his
+daily task, ate his bitter bread, and obeyed commands with a rebellious
+flash of the eye, that made the warden say:
+
+'That's a dangerous man. Watch him. He'll break out some day.'
+
+There were others more dangerous than he, because older in crime
+and ready for any desperate outbreak to change the monotony of long
+sentences. These men soon divined Dan's mood, and in the mysterious way
+convicts invent, managed to convey to him before a month was over
+that plans were being made for a mutiny at the first opportunity.
+Thanksgiving Day was one of the few chances for them to speak together
+as they enjoyed an hour of freedom in the prison yard. Then all would
+be settled and the rash attempt made if possible, probably to end in
+bloodshed and defeat for most, but liberty for a few. Dan had already
+planned his own escape and bided his time, growing more and more moody,
+fierce, and rebellious, as loss of liberty wore upon soul and body; for
+this sudden change from his free, healthy life to such a narrow, gloomy,
+and miserable one, could not but have a terrible effect upon one of
+Dan's temperament and age.
+
+He brooded over his ruined life, gave up all his happy hopes and plans,
+felt that he could never face dear old Plumfield again, or touch those
+friendly hands, with the stain of blood upon his own. He did not care
+for the wretched man whom he had killed, for such a life was better
+ended, he thought; but the disgrace of prison would never be wiped out
+of his memory, though the cropped hair would grow again, the grey suit
+easily be replaced, and the bolts and bars left far behind.
+
+'It's all over with me; I've spoilt my life, now let it go. I'll give up
+the fight and get what pleasure I can anywhere, anyhow. They shall think
+me dead and so still care for me, but never know what I am. Poor Mother
+Bhaer! she tried to help me, but it's no use; the firebrand can't be
+saved.'
+
+And dropping his head in his hands as he sat on his low bed, Dan would
+mourn over all he had lost in tearless misery, till merciful sleep would
+comfort him with dreams of the happy days when the boys played together,
+or those still later and happier ones when all smiled on him, and
+Plumfield seemed to have gained a new and curious charm.
+
+There was one poor fellow in Dan's shop whose fate was harder than his,
+for his sentence expired in the spring, but there was little hope of his
+living till that time; and the coldest-hearted man pitied poor Mason as
+he sat coughing his life away in that close place and counting the weary
+days yet to pass before he could see his wife and little child again.
+There was some hope that he might be pardoned out, but he had no friends
+to bestir themselves in the matter, and it was evident that the great
+Judge's pardon would soon end his patient pain for ever.
+
+Dan pitied him more than he dared to show, and this one tender emotion
+in that dark time was like the little flower that sprung up between the
+stones of the prison yard and saved the captive from despair, in the
+beautiful old story. Dan helped Mason with his work when he was too
+feeble to finish his task, and the grateful look that thanked him was
+a ray of sunshine to cheer his cell when he was alone. Mason envied the
+splendid health of his neighbour, and mourned to see it wasting there.
+He was a peaceful soul and tried, as far as a whispered word or warning
+glance could do it, to deter Dan from joining the 'bad lot', as the
+rebels were called. But having turned his face from the light, Dan found
+the downward way easy, and took a grim satisfaction in the prospect of
+a general outbreak during which he might revenge himself upon the
+tyrannical warden, and strike a blow for his own liberty, feeling that
+an hour of insurrection would be a welcome vent for the pent-up passions
+that tormented him. He had tamed many a wild animal, but his own lawless
+spirit was too much for him, till he found the curb that made him master
+of himself.
+
+The Sunday before Thanksgiving, as he sat in chapel, Dan observed
+several guests in the seats reserved for them, and looked anxiously
+to see if any familiar face was there; for he had a mortal fear that
+someone from home would suddenly confront him. No, all were strangers,
+and he soon forgot them in listening to the chaplain's cheerful words,
+and the sad singing of many heavy hearts. People often spoke to the
+convicts, so it caused no surprise when, on being invited to address
+them, one of the ladies rose and said she would tell them a little
+story; which announcement caused the younger listeners to pack up their
+ears, and even the older ones to look interested; for any change in
+their monotonous life was welcome.
+
+The speaker was a middle-aged woman in black, with a sympathetic face,
+eyes full of compassion, and a voice that seemed to warm the heart,
+because of certain motherly tones in it. She reminded Dan of Mrs Jo, and
+he listened intently to every word, feeling that each was meant for him,
+because by chance, they came at the moment when he needed a softening
+memory to break up the ice of despair which was blighting all the good
+impulses of his nature.
+
+It was a very simple little story, but it caught the men's attention at
+once, being about two soldiers in a hospital during the late war,
+both badly wounded in the right arm, and both anxious to save these
+breadwinners and go home unmaimed. One was patient, docile, and
+cheerfully obeyed orders, even when told that the arm must go. He
+submitted and after much suffering recovered, grateful for life, though
+he could fight no more. The other rebelled, would listen to no advice,
+and having delayed too long, died a lingering death, bitterly regretting
+his folly when it was too late. 'Now, as all stories should have a
+little moral, let me tell you mine,' added the lady, with a smile, as
+she looked at the row of young men before her, sadly wondering what
+brought them there.
+
+'This is a hospital for soldiers wounded in life's battle; here are sick
+souls, weak wills, insane passions, blind consciences, all the ills that
+come from broken laws, bringing their inevitable pain and punishment
+with them. There is hope and help for every one, for God's mercy is
+infinite and man's charity is great; but penitence and submission must
+come before the cure is possible. Pay the forfeit manfully, for it is
+just; but from the suffering and shame wring new strength for a nobler
+life. The scar will remain, but it is better for a man to lose both arms
+than his soul; and these hard years, instead of being lost, may be made
+the most precious of your lives, if they teach you to rule yourselves. O
+friends, try to outlive the bitter past, to wash the sin away, and begin
+anew. If not for your own sakes, for that of the dear mothers, wives,
+and children, who wait and hope so patiently for you. Remember them,
+and do not let them love and long in vain. And if there be any here
+so forlorn that they have no friend to care for them, never forget the
+Father whose arms are always open to receive, forgive, and comfort
+His prodigal sons, even at the eleventh hour.' There the little sermon
+ended; but the preacher of it felt that her few hearty words had not
+been uttered in vain, for one boy's head was down, and several faces
+wore the softened look which told that a tender memory was touched. Dan
+was forced to set his lips to keep them steady, and drop his eyes to
+hide the sudden dew that dimmed them when waiting, hoping friends were
+spoken of. He was glad to be alone in his cell again, and sat thinking
+deeply, instead of trying to forget himself in sleep. It seemed as if
+those words were just what he needed to show him where he stood and how
+fateful the next few days might be to him. Should he join the 'bad lot',
+and perhaps add another crime to the one already committed, lengthen the
+sentence already so terrible to bear, deliberately turn his back on all
+that was good, and mar the future that might yet be redeemed? Or should
+he, like the wiser man in the story, submit, bear the just punishment,
+try to be better for it; and though the scar would remain, it might
+serve as a reminder of a battle not wholly lost, since he had saved his
+soul though innocence was gone? Then he would dare go home, perhaps,
+confess, and find fresh strength in the pity and consolation of those
+who never gave him up.
+
+Good and evil fought for Dan that night as did the angel and the devil
+for Sintram, and it was hard to tell whether lawless nature or loving
+heart would conquer. Remorse and resentment, shame and sorrow, pride and
+passion, made a battle-field of that narrow cell, and the poor fellow
+felt as if he had fiercer enemies to fight now than any he had met in
+all his wanderings. A little thing turned the scale, as it so often does
+in these mysterious hearts of ours, and a touch of sympathy helped Dan
+decide the course which would bless or ban his life.
+
+In the dark hour before the dawn, as he lay wakeful on his bed, a ray
+of light shone through the bars, the bolts turned softly, and a man came
+in. It was the good chaplain, led by the same instinct that brings a
+mother to her sick child's pillow; for long experience as nurse of souls
+had taught him to see the signs of hope in the hard faces about him,
+and to know when the moment came for a helpful word and the cordial
+of sincere prayer that brings such comfort and healing to tried and
+troubled hearts. He had been to Dan before at unexpected hours, but
+always found him sullen, indifferent, or rebellious, and had gone away
+to patiently bide his time. Now it had come; a look of relief was in the
+prisoner's face as the light shone on it, and the sound of a human
+voice was strangely comfortable after listening to the whispers of
+the passions, doubts, and fears which had haunted the cell for hours,
+dismaying Dan by their power, and showing him how much he needed help to
+fight the good fight, since he had no armour of his own.
+
+'Kent, poor Mason has gone. He left a message for you, and I felt
+impelled to come and give it now, because I think you were touched by
+what we heard today, and in need of the help Mason tried to give you,'
+said the chaplain, taking the one seat and fixing his kind eyes on the
+grim figure in the bed.
+
+'Thank you, sir, I'd like to hear it,' was all Dan's answer; but he
+forgot himself in pity for the poor fellow dead in prison, with no last
+look at wife or child.
+
+He went suddenly, but remembered you, and begged me to say these words:
+“Tell him not to do it, but to hold on, do his best, and when his time
+is out go right to Mary, and she'll make him welcome for my sake. He's
+got no friends in these parts and will feel lonesome, but a woman's
+always safe and comfortable when a fellow's down on his luck. Give him
+my love and good-bye for he was kind to me, and God will bless him for
+it.” Then he died quietly, and tomorrow will go home with God's pardon,
+since man's came too late.'
+
+Dan said nothing, but laid his arm across his face and lay quite still.
+Seeing that the pathetic little message had done its work even better
+than he hoped, the chaplain went on, unconscious how soothing his
+paternal voice was to the poor prisoner who longed to 'go home', but
+felt he had forfeited the right.
+
+'I hope you won't disappoint this humble friend whose last thought was
+for you. I know that there is trouble brewing, and fear that you may be
+tempted to lend a hand on the wrong side. Don't do it, for the plot will
+not succeed--it never does--and it would be a pity to spoil your record
+which is fair so far. Keep up your courage, my son, and go out at the
+year's end better, not worse, for this hard experience. Remember a
+grateful woman waits to welcome and thank you if you have no friends of
+your own; if you have, do your best for their sake, and let us ask God
+to help you as He only can.'
+
+Then waiting for no answer the good man prayed heartily, and Dan
+listened as he never had before; for the lonely hour, the dying message,
+the sudden uprising of his better self, made it seem as if some kind
+angel had come to save and comfort him. After that night there was a
+change in Dan, though no one knew it but the chaplain; for to all the
+rest he was the same silent, stern, unsocial fellow as before, and
+turning his back on the bad and the good alike, found his only pleasure
+in the books his friend brought him. Slowly, as the steadfast drop wears
+away the rock, the patient kindness of this man won Dan's confidence,
+and led by him he began to climb out of the Valley of Humiliation
+towards the mountains, whence, through the clouds, one can catch
+glimpses of the Celestial City whither all true pilgrims sooner or
+later turn their wistful eyes and stumbling feet. There were many
+back-slidings, many struggles with Giant Despair and fiery Apollyon,
+many heavy hours when life did not seem worth living and Mason's escape
+the only hope. But through all, the grasp of a friendly hand, the sound
+of a brother's voice, the unquenchable desire to atone for the past by a
+better future, and win the right to see home again, kept poor Dan to his
+great task as the old year drew to its end, and the new waited to turn
+another leaf in the book whose hardest lesson he was learning now.
+
+At Christmas he yearned so for Plumfield that he devised a way to send a
+word of greeting to cheer their anxious hearts, and comfort his own. He
+wrote to Mary Mason, who lived in another State, asking her to mail the
+letter he enclosed. In it he merely said he was well and busy, had given
+up the farm, and had other plans which he would tell later; would not
+be home before autumn probably, nor write often, but was all right, and
+sent love and merry Christmas to everyone.
+
+Then he took up his solitary life again, and tried to pay his forfeit
+manfully.
+
+
+
+Chapter 13. NAT'S NEW YEAR
+
+'I don't expect to hear from Emil yet, and Nat writes regularly, but
+where is Dan? Only two or three postals since he went. Such an energetic
+fellow as he is could buy up all the farms in Kansas by this time,' said
+Mrs Jo one morning when the mail came in and no card or envelope bore
+Dan's dashing hand.
+
+'He never writes often, you know, but does his work and then comes
+home. Months and years seem to mean little to him, and he is probably
+prospecting in the wilderness, forgetful of time,' answered Mr Bhaer,
+deep in one of Nat's long letters from Leipzig.
+
+'But he promised he would let me know how he got on, and Dan keeps his
+word if he can. I'm afraid something has happened to him'; and Mrs Jo
+comforted herself by patting Don's head, as he came at the sound of his
+master's name to look at her with eyes almost human in their wistful
+intelligence.
+
+'Don't worry, Mum dear, nothing ever happens to the old fellow. He'll
+turn up all right, and come stalking in some day with a gold-mine in one
+pocket and a prairie in the other, as jolly as a grig,' said Ted, who
+was in no haste to deliver Octoo to her rightful owner.
+
+'Perhaps he has gone to Montana and given up the farm plan. He seemed to
+like Indians best, I thought'; and Rob went to help his mother with her
+pile of letters and his cheerful suggestions.
+
+'I hope so, it would suit him best. But I am sure he would have told us
+his change of plan and sent for some money to work with. No, I feel in
+my prophetic bones that something is wrong,' said Mrs Jo, looking as
+solemn as Fate in a breakfast-cap.
+
+'Then we shall hear; ill news always travels fast. Don't borrow trouble,
+Jo, but hear how well Nat is getting on. I'd no idea the boy would care
+for anything but music. My good friend Baumgarten has launched him well,
+and it will do him good if he lose not his head. A good lad, but new to
+the world, and Leipzig is full of snares for the unwary. Gott be with
+him!'
+
+The Professor read Nat's enthusiastic account of certain literary
+and musical parties he had been to, the splendours of the opera, the
+kindness of his new friends, the delight of studying under such a master
+as Bergmann, his hopes of rapid gain, and his great gratitude to those
+who had opened this enchanted world to him.
+
+'That, now, is satisfactory and comfortable. I felt that Nat had
+unsuspected power in him before he went away; he was so manly and full
+of excellent plans,' said Mrs Jo, in a satisfied tone.
+
+'We shall see. He will doubtless get his lesson and be the better for
+it. That comes to us all in our young days. I hope it will not be too
+hard for our good Jungling,' answered the Professor, with a wise smile,
+remembering his own student life in Germany.
+
+He was right; and Nat was already getting his lesson in life with a
+rapidity which would have astonished his friends at home. The manliness
+over which Mrs Jo rejoiced was developing in unexpected ways, and quiet
+Nat had plunged into the more harmless dissipations of the gay city
+with all the ardour of an inexperienced youth taking his first sip of
+pleasure. The entire freedom and sense of independence was delicious,
+for many benefits began to burden him, and he longed to stand on his
+own legs and make his own way. No one knew his past here; and with a
+well-stocked wardrobe, a handsome sum at his banker's, and the best
+teacher in Leipzig, he made his debut as a musical young gentleman,
+presented by the much-respected Professor Bhaer and the wealthy Mr
+Laurence, who had many friends glad to throw open their houses to
+his protege. Thanks to these introductions, his fluent German, modest
+manners, and undeniable talent, the stranger was cordially welcomed, and
+launched at once into a circle which many an ambitious young man strove
+in vain to enter.
+
+All this rather turned Nat's head; and as he sat in the brilliant
+opera-house, chatted among the ladies at some select coffee-party, or
+whisked an eminent professor's amiable daughter down the room, trying to
+imagine she was Daisy, he often asked himself if this gay fellow could
+be the poor homeless little Street musician who once stood waiting in
+the rain at the gates of Plumfield. His heart was true, his impulses
+good, and his ambitions high; but the weak side of his nature came
+uppermost here; vanity led him astray, pleasure intoxicated him, and for
+a time he forgot everything but the delights of this new and charming
+life. Without meaning to deceive, he allowed people to imagine him a
+youth of good family and prospects; he boasted a little of Mr Laurie's
+wealth and influence, of Professor Bhaer's eminence, and the flourishing
+college at which he himself had been educated. Mrs Jo was introduced to
+the sentimental Frauleins who read her books, and the charms and virtues
+of his own dear Madchen confided to sympathetic mammas. All these boyish
+boastings and innocent vanities were duly circulated among the
+gossips, and his importance much increased thereby, to his surprise and
+gratification, as well as some shame.
+
+But they bore fruit that was bitter in the end; for, finding that he was
+considered one of the upper class, it very soon became impossible
+for him to live in the humble quarters he had chosen, or to lead the
+studious, quiet life planned for him. He met other students, young
+officers, and gay fellows of all sorts, and was flattered at being
+welcomed among them; though it was a costly pleasure, and often left
+a thorn of regret to vex his honest conscience. He was tempted to take
+better rooms in a more fashionable street, leaving good Frau Tetzel to
+lament his loss, and his artist neighbour, Fraulein Vogelstein, to shake
+her grey ringlets and predict his return, a sadder and a wiser man.
+
+The sum placed at his disposal for expenses and such simple pleasures
+as his busy life could command seemed a fortune to Nat, though it was
+smaller than generous Mr Laurie first proposed. Professor Bhaer wisely
+counselled prudence, as Nat was unused to the care of money, and the
+good man knew the temptations that a well-filled purse makes possible at
+this pleasure-loving age. So Nat enjoyed his handsome little apartment
+immensely, and insensibly let many unaccustomed luxuries creep in. He
+loved his music and never missed a lesson; but the hours he should
+have spent in patient practice were too often wasted at theatre, ball,
+beer-garden, or club--doing no harm beyond that waste of precious time,
+and money not his own; for he had no vices, and took his recreation like
+a gentleman, so far. But slowly a change for the worse was beginning to
+show itself, and he felt it. These first steps along the flowery road
+were downward, not upward; and the constant sense of disloyalty which
+soon began to haunt him made Nat feel, in the few quiet hours he gave
+himself, that all was not well with him, spite of the happy whirl in
+which he lived.
+
+'Another month, and then I will be steady,' he said more than once,
+trying to excuse the delay by the fact that all was new to him, that his
+friends at home wished him to be happy, and that society was giving him
+the polish he needed. But as each month slipped away it grew harder to
+escape; he was inevitably drawn on, and it was so easy to drift with
+the tide that he deferred the evil day as long as possible. Winter
+festivities followed the more wholesome summer pleasures, and Nat found
+them more costly; for the hospitable ladies expected some return from
+the stranger; and carriages, bouquets, theatre tickets, and all the
+little expenses a young man cannot escape at such times, told heavily
+on the purse which seemed bottomless at first. Taking Mr Laurie for
+his model, Nat became quite a gallant, and was universally liked; for
+through all the newly acquired airs and graces the genuine honesty
+and simplicity of his character plainly shone, winning confidence and
+affection from all who knew him.
+
+Among these was a certain amiable old lady with a musical
+daughter--well-born but poor, and very anxious to marry the aforesaid
+daughter to some wealthy man. Nat's little fictions concerning his
+prospects and friends charmed the gnadige Frau as much as his music and
+devoted manners did the sentimental Minna. Their quiet parlour seemed
+homelike and restful to Nat, when tired of gayer scenes; and the
+motherly interest of the elder lady was sweet and comfortable to him;
+while the tender blue eyes of the pretty girl were always so full of
+welcome when he came, of regret when he left, and of admiration when
+he played to her, that he found it impossible to keep away from this
+attractive spot. He meant no harm, and feared no danger, having confided
+to the Frau Mamma that he was betrothed; so he continued to call, little
+dreaming what ambitious hopes the old lady cherished, nor the peril
+there was in receiving the adoration of a romantic German girl, till it
+was too late to spare her pain and himself great regret.
+
+Of course some inkling of these new and agreeable experiences got into
+the voluminous letters he never was too gay, too busy, or too tired
+to write each week; and while Daisy rejoiced over his happiness and
+success, and the boys laughed at the idea of 'old Chirper coming out as
+a society man', the elders looked sober, and said among themselves:
+
+'He is going too fast; he must have a word of warning, or trouble may
+come.'
+
+But Mr Laurie said: 'Oh, let him have his fling; he's been dependent and
+repressed long enough. He can't go far with the money he has, and I've
+no fear of his getting into debt. He's too timid and too honest to be
+reckless. It is his first taste of freedom; let him enjoy it, and he'll
+work the better by and by; I know--and I'm sure I'm right.'
+
+So the warnings were very gentle, and the good people waited anxiously
+to hear more of hard study, and less of 'splendid times'. Daisy
+sometimes wondered, with a pang of her faithful heart, if one of the
+charming Minnas, Hildegardes, and Lottchens mentioned were not stealing
+her Nat away from her; but she never asked, always wrote calmly and
+cheerfully, and looked in vain for any hint of change in the letters
+that were worn out with much reading.
+
+Month after month slipped away, till the holidays came with gifts, good
+wishes, and brilliant festivities. Nat expected to enjoy himself very
+much, and did at first; for a German Christmas is a spectacle worth
+seeing. But he paid dearly for the abandon with which he threw himself
+into the gaieties of that memorable week; and on New Year's Day the
+reckoning came. It seemed as if some malicious fairy had prepared the
+surprises that arrived, so unwelcome were they, so magical the change
+they wrought, turning his happy world into a scene of desolation and
+despair as suddenly as a transformation at the pantomime.
+
+The first came in the morning when, duly armed with costly bouquets
+and bon-bons, he went to thank Minna and her mother for the braces
+embroidered with forget-me-nots and the silk socks knit by the old
+lady's nimble fingers, which he had found upon his table that day. The
+Frau Mamma received him graciously; but when he asked for the daughter
+the good lady frankly demanded what his intentions were, adding that
+certain gossip which had reached her ear made it necessary for him
+to declare himself or come no more, as Minna's peace must not be
+compromised.
+
+A more panic-stricken youth was seldom seen than Nat as he received this
+unexpected demand. He saw too late that his American style of gallantry
+had deceived the artless girl, and might be used with terrible effect
+by the artful mother, if she chose to do it. Nothing but the truth could
+save him, and he had the honour and honesty to tell it faithfully. A
+sad scene followed; for Nat was obliged to strip off his fictitious
+splendour, confess himself only a poor student, and humbly ask pardon
+for the thoughtless freedom with which he had enjoyed their too
+confiding hospitality. If he had any doubts of Frau Schomburg's motives
+and desires, they were speedily set at rest by the frankness with which
+she showed her disappointment, the vigour with which she scolded him,
+and the scorn with which she cast him off when her splendid castles in
+the air collapsed.
+
+The sincerity of Nat's penitence softened her a little and she consented
+to a farewell word with Minna, who had listened at the keyhole, and was
+produced drenched in tears, to fall on Nat's bosom, crying: 'Ah, thou
+dear one, never can I forget thee, though my heart is broken!'
+
+This was worse than the scolding; for the stout lady also wept, and it
+was only after much German gush and twaddle that he escaped, feeling
+like another Werther; while the deserted Lotte consoled herself with the
+bonbons, her mother with the more valuable gifts.
+
+The second surprise arrived as he dined with Professor Baumgarten. His
+appetite had been effectually taken away by the scene of the morning,
+and his spirits received another damper when a fellow student cheerfully
+informed him that he was about to go to America, and should make it his
+agreeable duty to call on the 'lieber Herr Professor Bhaer', to tell
+him how gaily his protege was disporting himself at Leipzig. Nat's heart
+died within him as he imagined the effect these glowing tales would have
+at Plumfield--not that he had wilfully deceived them, but in his letters
+many things were left untold; and when Carlsen added, with a friendly
+wink, that he would merely hint at the coming betrothal of the fair
+Minna and his 'heart's friend', Nat found himself devoutly hoping that
+this other inconvenient heart's friend might go to the bottom of the sea
+before he reached Plumfield to blast all his hopes by these tales of a
+mis-spent winter. Collecting his wits, he cautioned Carlsen with what
+he flattered himself was Mephistophelian art, and gave him such confused
+directions that it would be a miracle if he ever found Professor Bhaer.
+But the dinner was spoilt for Nat, and he got away as soon as possible,
+to wander disconsolately about the streets, with no heart for the
+theatre or the supper he was to share with some gay comrades afterwards.
+He comforted himself a little by giving alms to sundry beggars, making
+two children happy with gilded gingerbread, and drinking a lonely glass
+of beer, in which he toasted his Daisy and wished himself a better year
+than the last had been.
+
+Going home at length, he found a third surprise awaiting him in the
+shower of bills which had descended upon him like a snowstorm, burying
+him in an avalanche of remorse, despair, and self-disgust. These bills
+were so many and so large that he was startled and dismayed; for, as
+Mr Bhaer wisely predicted, he knew little about the value of money.
+It would take every dollar at the bankers to pay them all at once, and
+leave him penniless for the next six months, unless he wrote home for
+more. He would rather starve than do that; and his first impulse was to
+seek help at the gaming-table, whither his new friends had often tempted
+him. But he had promised Mr Bhaer to resist what then had seemed an
+impossible temptation; and now he would not add another fault to the
+list already so long. Borrow he would not, nor beg. What could he do?
+For these appalling bills must be paid, and the lessons go on; or his
+journey was an ignominious failure. But he must live meantime. And how?
+Bowed down with remorse for the folly of these months, he saw too late
+whither he was drifting, and for hours paced up and down his pretty
+rooms, floundering in a Slough of Despond, with no helping hand to pull
+him out--at least he thought so till letters were brought in, and among
+fresh bills lay one well-worn envelope with an American stamp in the
+corner.
+
+Ah, how welcome it was! how eagerly he read the long pages full of
+affectionate wishes from all at home! For everyone had sent a line, and
+as each familiar name appeared, his eyes grew dimmer and dimmer till, as
+he read the last--'God bless my boy! Mother Bhaer'--he broke down; and
+laying his head on his arms, blistered the paper with a rain of tears
+that eased his heart and washed away the boyish sins that now lay so
+heavy on his conscience.
+
+'Dear people, how they love and trust me! And how bitterly they would
+be disappointed if they knew what a fool I've been! I'll fiddle in the
+streets again before I'll ask for help from them!' cried Nat, brushing
+away the tears of which he was ashamed, although he felt the good they
+had done.
+
+Now he seemed to see more clearly what to do; for the helping hand had
+been stretched across the sea, and Love, the dear Evangelist, had
+lifted him out of the slough and shown him the narrow gate, beyond which
+deliverance lay. When the letter had been reread, and one corner where
+a daisy was painted, passionately kissed, Nat felt strong enough to face
+the worst and conquer it. Every bill should be paid, every salable thing
+of his own sold, these costly rooms given up; and once back with
+thrifty Frau Tetzel, he would find work of some sort by which to support
+himself, as many another student did. He must give up the new friends,
+turn his back on the gay life, cease to be a butterfly, and take his
+place among the grubs. It was the only honest thing to do, but very hard
+for the poor fellow to crush his little vanities, renounce the delights
+so dear to the young, own his folly, and step down from his pedestal to
+be pitied, laughed at, and forgotten.
+
+It took all Nat's pride and courage to do this, for his was a sensitive
+nature; esteem was very precious to him, failure very bitter, and
+nothing but the inborn contempt for meanness and deceit kept him from
+asking help or trying to hide his need by some dishonest device. As he
+sat alone that night, Mr Bhaer's words came back to him with curious
+clearness, and he saw himself a boy again at Plumfield, punishing his
+teacher as a lesson to himself, when timidity had made him lie.
+
+'He shall not suffer for me again, and I won't be a sneak if I am a
+fool. I'll go and tell Professor Baumgarten all about it and ask his
+advice. I'd rather face a loaded cannon; but it must be done. Then I'll
+sell out, pay my debts, and go back where I belong. Better be an honest
+pauper than a jackdaw among peacocks'; and Nat smiled in the midst of
+his trouble, as he looked about him at the little elegancies of his
+room, remembering what he came from.
+
+He kept his word manfully, and was much comforted to find that his
+experience was an old story to the professor, who approved his plan,
+thinking wisely that the discipline would be good for him, and was very
+kind in offering help and promising to keep the secret of his folly from
+his friend Bhaer till Nat had redeemed himself.
+
+The first week of the new year was spent by our prodigal in carrying out
+his plan with penitent dispatch, and his birthday found him alone in
+the little room high up at Frau Tetzel's, with nothing of his former
+splendour, but sundry unsalable keepsakes from the buxom maidens, who
+mourned his absence deeply. His male friends had ridiculed, pitied,
+and soon left him alone, with one or two exceptions, who offered their
+purses generously and promised to stand by him. He was lonely and
+heavy-hearted, and sat brooding over his small fire as he remembered the
+last New Year's Day at Plumfield, when at this hour he was dancing with
+his Daisy.
+
+A tap at the door roused him, and with a careless 'Herein', he waited
+to see who had climbed so far for his sake. It was the good Frau proudly
+bearing a tray, on which stood a bottle of wine and an astonishing
+cake bedecked with sugar-plums of every hue, and crowned with candles.
+Fraulein Vogelstein followed, embracing a blooming rose-tree, above
+which her grey curls waved and her friendly face beamed joyfully as she
+cried:
+
+'Dear Herr Blak, we bring you greetings and a little gift or two in
+honour of this ever-to-be-remembered day. Best wishes! and may the new
+year bloom for you as beautifully as we your heart-warm friends desire.'
+
+'Yes, yes, in truth we do, dear Herr,' added Frau Tetzel. 'Eat of this
+with-joy-made Kuchen, and drink to the health of the far-away beloved
+ones in the good wine.'
+
+Amused, yet touched by the kindness of the good souls, Nat thanked them
+both, and made them stay to enjoy the humble feast with him. This they
+gladly did, being motherly women full of pity for the dear youth, whose
+straits they knew, and having substantial help to offer, as well as kind
+words and creature comforts.
+
+Frau Tetzel, with some hesitation, mentioned a friend of hers who,
+forced by illness to leave his place in the orchestra of a second-rate
+theatre, would gladly offer it to Nat, if he could accept so humble a
+position. Blushing and toying with the roses like a shy girl, good old
+Vogelstein asked if in his leisure moments he could give English lessons
+in the young ladies' school where she taught painting, adding that a
+small but certain salary would be paid him.
+
+Gratefully Nat accepted both offers, finding it less humiliating to be
+helped by women than by friends of his own sex. This work would support
+him in a frugal way, and certain musical drudgery promised by his master
+assured his own teaching. Delighted with the success of their little
+plot, these friendly neighbours left him with cheery words, warm
+hand-grasps, and faces beaming with feminine satisfaction at the hearty
+kiss Nat put on each faded cheek, as the only return he could make for
+all their helpful kindness.
+
+It was strange how much brighter the world looked after that; for hope
+was a better cordial than the wine, and good resolutions bloomed as
+freshly as the little rose-tree that filled the room with fragrance, as
+Nat woke the echoes with the dear old airs, finding now as always his
+best comforter in music, to whom henceforth he swore to be a more loyal
+subject.
+
+
+
+Chapter 14. PLAYS AT PLUMFIELD
+
+As it is as impossible for the humble historian of the March family to
+write a story without theatricals in it as for our dear Miss Yonge to
+get on with less than twelve or fourteen children in her interesting
+tales, we will accept the fact, and at once cheer ourselves after
+the last afflicting events, by proceeding to the Christmas plays at
+Plumfield; for they influence the fate of several of our characters, and
+cannot well be skipped.
+
+When the college was built Mr Laurie added a charming little theatre
+which not only served for plays, but declamations, lectures, and
+concerts. The drop-curtain displayed Apollo with the Muses grouped about
+him; and as a compliment to the donor of the hall the artist had given
+the god a decided resemblance to our friend, which was considered
+a superb joke by everyone else. Home talent furnished stars, stock
+company, orchestra, and scene painter; and astonishing performances were
+given on this pretty little stage.
+
+Mrs Jo had been trying for some time to produce a play which should
+be an improvement upon the adaptations from the French then in vogue,
+curious mixtures of fine toilettes, false sentiment, and feeble wit,
+with no touch of nature to redeem them. It was easy to plan plays full
+of noble speeches and thrilling situations, but very hard to write them;
+so she contented herself with a few scenes of humble life in which the
+comic and pathetic were mingled; and as she fitted her characters to
+her actors, she hoped the little venture would prove that truth and
+simplicity had not entirely lost their power to charm. Mr Laurie helped
+her, and they called themselves Beaumont and Fletcher, enjoying their
+joint labour very much; for Beaumont's knowledge of dramatic art was
+of great use in curbing Fletcher's too-aspiring pen, and they flattered
+themselves that they had produced a neat and effective bit of work as an
+experiment.
+
+All was ready now; and Christmas Day was much enlivened by last
+rehearsals, the panics of timid actors, the scramble for forgotten
+properties, and the decoration of the theatre. Evergreen and holly from
+the woods, blooming plants from the hothouse on Parnassus, and flags of
+all nations made it very gay that night in honour of the guests who were
+coming, chief among them, Miss Cameron, who kept her promise
+faithfully. The orchestra tuned their instruments with unusual care,
+the scene-shifters set their stage with lavish elegance, the prompter
+heroically took his seat in the stifling nook provided for him, and
+the actors dressed with trembling hands that dropped the pins, and
+perspiring brows whereon the powder wouldn't stick. Beaumont and
+Fletcher were everywhere, feeling that their literary reputation was
+at stake; for sundry friendly critics were invited, and reporters, like
+mosquitoes, cannot be excluded from any earthly scene, be it a great
+man's death-bed or a dime museum.
+
+'Has she come?' was the question asked by every tongue behind the
+curtain; and when Tom, who played an old man, endangered his respectable
+legs among the footlights to peep, announced that he saw Miss Cameron's
+handsome head in the place of honour, a thrill pervaded the entire
+company, and Josie declared with an excited gasp that she was going to
+have stage fright for the first time in her life.
+
+'I'll shake you if you do,' said Mrs Jo, who was in such a wild state
+of dishevelment with her varied labours that she might have gone on as
+Madge Wildlife, without an additional rag or crazy elf-lock.
+
+'You'll have time to get your wits together while we do our piece. We
+are old stagers and calm as clocks,' answered Demi, with a nod towards
+Alice, ready in her pretty dress and all her properties at hand.
+
+But both clocks were going rather faster than usual, as heightened
+colour, brilliant eyes, and a certain flutter under the laces and velvet
+coat betrayed. They were to open the entertainment with a gay little
+piece which they had played before and did remarkably well. Alice was
+a tall girl, with dark hair and eyes, and a face which intelligence,
+health, and a happy heart made beautiful. She was looking her best now,
+for the brocades, plumes, and powder of the Marquise became her stately
+figure; and Demi in his court suit, with sword, three-cornered hat, and
+white wig, made as gallant a Baron as one would wish to see. Josie was
+the maid, and looked her part to the life, being as pretty, pert,
+and inquisitive as any French soubrette. These three were all the
+characters; and the success of the piece depended on the spirit and
+skill with which the quickly changing moods of the quarrelsome lovers
+were given, their witty speeches made to tell, and by-play suited to the
+courtly period in which the scene was laid.
+
+Few would have recognized sober John and studious Alice in the dashing
+gentleman and coquettish lady, who kept the audience laughing at their
+caprices; while they enjoyed the brilliant costumes, and admired the
+ease and grace of the young actors. Josie was a prominent figure in the
+plot, as she listened at keyholes, peeped into notes, and popped in and
+out at all the most inopportune moments, with her nose in the air, her
+hands in her apron-pockets, and curiosity pervading her little figure
+from the topmost bow of her jaunty cap to the red heels of her slippers.
+All went smoothly; and the capricious Marquise, after tormenting the
+devoted Baron to her heart's content, owned herself conquered in the war
+of wits, and was just offering the hand he had fairly won, when a crash
+startled them, and a heavily decorated side-scene swayed forward, ready
+to fall upon Alice. Demi saw it and sprung before her to catch and hold
+it up, standing like a modern Samson with the wall of a house on his
+back. The danger was over in a moment, and he was about to utter his
+last speech, when the excited young scene-shifter, who had flown up a
+ladder to repair the damage, leaned over to whisper 'All right', and
+release Demi from his spread-eagle attitude: as he did so, a hammer
+slipped out of his pocket, to fall upon the upturned face below,
+inflicting a smart blow and literally knocking the Baron's part out of
+his head.
+
+'A quick curtain,' robbed the audience of a pretty little scene not down
+on the bill; for the Marquise flew to staunch the blood with a cry of
+alarm: 'Oh! John, you are hurt! Lean on me'--which John gladly did for a
+moment, being a trifle dazed yet quite able to enjoy the tender touch of
+the hands busied about him and the anxiety of the face so near his own;
+for both told him something which he would have considered cheaply won
+by a rain of hammers and the fall of the whole college on his head.
+
+Nan was on the spot in a moment with the case that never left her
+pocket; and the wound was neatly plastered up by the time Mrs Jo
+arrived, demanding tragically:
+
+'Is he too much hurt to go on again? If he is, my play is lost!'
+
+'I'm all the fitter for it, Aunty; for here's a real instead of a
+painted wound. I'll be ready; don't worry about me.' And catching up
+his wig, Demi was off, with only a very eloquent look of thanks to the
+Marquise, who had spoilt her gloves for his sake, but did not seem to
+mind it at all, though they reached above her elbows, and were most
+expensive.
+
+'How are your nerves, Fletcher?' asked Mr Laurie as they stood together
+during the breathless minute before the last bell rings.
+
+'About as calm as yours, Beaumont,' answered Mrs Jo, gesticulating
+wildly to Mrs Meg to set her cap straight.
+
+'Bear up, partner! I'll stand by you whatever comes!'
+
+'I feel that it ought to go; for, though it's a mere trifle, a good deal
+of honest work and truth have gone into it. Doesn't Meg look the picture
+of a dear old country woman?'
+
+She certainly did, as she sat in the farmhouse kitchen by a cheery fire,
+rocking a cradle and darning stockings, as if she had done nothing else
+all her life. Grey hair, skilfully drawn lines on the forehead, and a
+plain gown, with cap, little shawl, and check apron, changed her into a
+comfortable, motherly creature who found favour the moment the curtain
+went up and discovered her rocking, darning, and crooning an old song.
+In a short soliloquy about Sam, her boy, who wanted to enlist;
+Dolly, her discontented little daughter, who longed for city ease and
+pleasures; and poor 'Elizy', who had married badly, and came home to
+die, bequeathing her baby to her mother, lest its bad father should
+claim it, the little story was very simply opened, and made effective
+by the real boiling of the kettle on the crane, the ticking of a tall
+clock, and the appearance of a pair of blue worsted shoes which
+waved fitfully in the air to the soft babble of a baby's voice. Those
+shapeless little shoes won the first applause; and Mr Laurie, forgetting
+elegance in satisfaction, whispered to his coadjutor:
+
+'I thought the baby would fetch them!'
+
+'If the dear thing won't squall in the wrong place, we are saved. But
+it is risky. Be ready to catch it if all Meg's cuddlings prove in vain,'
+answered Mrs Jo, adding, with a clutch at Mr Laurie's arm as a haggard
+face appeared at the window:
+
+'Here's Demi! I hope no one will recognize him when he comes on as the
+son. I'll never forgive you for not doing the villain yourself.'
+
+'Can't run the thing and act too. He's capitally made up, and likes a
+bit of melodrama.'
+
+'This scene ought to have come later; but I wanted to show that the
+mother was the heroine as soon as possible. I'm tired of love-sick girls
+and runaway wives. We'll prove that there's romance in old women also.
+Now he's coming!'
+
+And in slouched a degraded-looking man, shabby, unshaven, and evil-eyed,
+trying to assume a masterful air as he dismayed the tranquil old woman
+by demanding his child. A powerful scene followed; and Mrs Meg surprised
+even those who knew her best by the homely dignity with which she at
+first met the man she dreaded; then, as he brutally pressed his claim,
+she pleaded with trembling voice and hands to keep the little creature
+she had promised the dying mother to protect; and when he turned to
+take it by force, quite a thrill went through the house as the old woman
+sprung to snatch it from the cradle, and holding it close, defied him in
+God's name to tear it from that sacred refuge. It was really well done;
+and the round of applause that greeted the fine tableau of the indignant
+old woman, the rosy, blinking baby clinging to her neck, and the daunted
+man who dared not execute his evil purpose with such a defender for
+helpless innocence, told the excited authors that their first scene was
+a hit.
+
+The second was quieter, and introduced Josie as a bonny country lass
+setting the supper-table in a bad humour. The pettish way in which she
+slapped down the plates, hustled the cups, and cut the big brown loaf,
+as she related her girlish trials and ambitions, was capital. Mrs Jo
+kept her eye on Miss Cameron, and saw her nod approval several times at
+some natural tone or gesture, some good bit of by-play or a quick change
+of expression in the young face, which was as variable as an April day.
+Her struggle with the toasting-fork made much merriment; so did her
+contempt for the brown sugar, and the relish with which she sweetened
+her irksome duties by eating it; and when she sat, like Cinderella, on
+the hearth, tearfully watching the flames dance on the homely room, a
+girlish voice was heard to exclaim impulsively:
+
+'Poor little thing! she ought to have some fun!'
+
+The old woman enters; and mother and daughter have a pretty scene, in
+which the latter coaxes and threatens, kisses and cries, till she wins
+the reluctant consent of the former to visit a rich relation in the
+city; and from being a little thunder-cloud Dolly becomes bewitchingly
+gay and good, as soon as her wilful wish is granted. The poor old soul
+has hardly recovered from this trial when the son enters, in army
+blue, tells he has enlisted and must go. That is a hard blow; but the
+patriotic mother bears it well, and not till the thoughtless young folks
+have hastened away to tell their good news elsewhere does she break
+down. Then the country kitchen becomes pathetic as the old mother sits
+alone mourning over her children, till the grey head is hidden in the
+hands as she kneels down by the cradle to weep and pray, with only Baby
+to comfort her fond and faithful heart.
+
+Sniffs were audible all through the latter part of this scene; and
+when the curtain fell, people were so busy wiping their eyes that for
+a moment they forgot to applaud. That silent moment was more flattering
+than noise; and as Mrs Jo wiped the real tears off her sister's
+face, she said as solemnly as an unconscious dab of rouge on her nose
+permitted:
+
+'Meg, you have saved my play! Oh, why aren't you a real actress, and I a
+real playwright?'
+
+'Don't gush now, dear, but help me dress Josie; she's in such a quiver
+of excitement, I can't manage her, and this is her best scene, you
+know.'
+
+So it was; for her aunt had written it especially for her, and little Jo
+was happy in a gorgeous dress, with a train long enough to satisfy her
+wildest dreams. The rich relation's parlour was in festival array, and
+the country cousin sails in, looking back at her sweeping flounces with
+such artless rapture that no one had the heart to laugh at the pretty
+jay in borrowed plumes. She has confidences with herself in the mirror,
+from which it is made evident that she had discovered all is not gold
+that glitters, and has found greater temptations than those a girlish
+love of pleasure, luxury, and flattery bring her. She is sought by a
+rich lover; but her honest heart resists the allurements he offers,
+and in its innocent perplexity wishes 'mother' was there to comfort and
+counsel.
+
+A gay little dance, in which Dora, Nan, Bess, and several of the boys
+took part, made a good background for the humble figure of the old woman
+in her widow's bonnet, rusty shawl, big umbrella, and basket. Her naive
+astonishment, as she surveys the spectacle, feels the curtains, and
+smooths her old gloves during the moment she remains unseen, was very
+good; but Josie's unaffected start when she sees her, and the cry:
+'Why, there's mother!' was such a hearty little bit of nature, it hardly
+needed the impatient tripping over her train as she ran into the arms
+that seemed now to be her nearest refuge.
+
+The lover plays his part; and ripples of merriment greeted the old
+woman's searching questions and blunt answers during the interview which
+shows the girl how shallow his love is, and how near she had been to
+ruining her life as bitterly as poor 'Elizy' did. She gives her answer
+frankly, and when they are alone, looks from her own bedizened self
+to the shabby dress, work-worn hands, and tender face, crying with a
+repentant sob and kiss: 'Take me home, mother, and keep me safe. I've
+had enough of this!'
+
+'That will do you good, Maria; don't forget it,' said one lady to her
+daughter as the curtain went down; and the girl answered: 'Well, I'm
+sure I don't see why it's touching; but it is,' as she spread her lace
+handkerchief to dry.
+
+Tom and Nan came out strong in the next scene; for it was a ward in
+an army hospital, and surgeon and nurse went from bed to bed, feeling
+pulses, administering doses, and hearing complaints with an energy and
+gravity which convulsed the audience. The tragic element, never far from
+the comic at such times and places, came in when, while they bandaged
+an arm, the doctor told the nurse about an old woman who was searching
+through the hospital for her son, after days and nights on battlefields,
+through ambulances, and among scenes which would have killed most women.
+
+'She will be here directly, and I dread her coming, for I'm afraid the
+poor lad who has just gone is her boy. I'd rather face a cannon than
+these brave women, with their hope and courage and great sorrow,' says
+the surgeon.
+
+'Ah, these poor mothers break my heart!' adds the nurse, wiping her eyes
+on her big apron; and with the words Mrs Meg came in.
+
+There was the same dress, the basket and umbrella, the rustic speech,
+the simple manners; but all were made pathetic by the terrible
+experience which had changed the tranquil old woman to that haggard
+figure with wild eyes, dusty feet, trembling hands, and an expression of
+mingled anguish, resolution, and despair which gave the homely figure
+a tragic dignity and power that touched all hearts. A few broken words
+told the story of her vain search, and then the sad quest began again.
+People held their breath as, led by the nurse, she went from bed to
+bed, showing in her face the alternations of hope, dread, and bitter
+disappointment as each was passed. On a narrow cot was a long figure
+covered with a sheet, and here she paused to lay one hand on her heart
+and one on her eyes, as if to gather courage to look at the nameless
+dead. Then she drew down the sheet, gave a long shivering sigh of
+relief, saying softly:
+
+'Not my son, thank God! but some mother's boy.' And stooping down, she
+kissed the cold forehead tenderly.
+
+Somebody sobbed there, and Miss Cameron shook two tears out of her eyes,
+anxious to lose no look or gesture as the poor soul, nearly spent with
+the long strain, struggled on down the long line. But her search was
+happily ended for, as if her voice had roused him from his feverish
+sleep, a gaunt, wild-eyed man sat up in his bed, and stretching his arms
+to her, cried in a voice that echoed through the room:
+
+'Mother, mother! I knew you'd come to me!'
+
+She did go to him, with a cry of love and joy that thrilled every
+listener, as she gathered him in her arms with the tears and prayers and
+blessing such as only a fond and faithful old mother could give.
+
+The last scene was a cheerful contrast to this; for the country kitchen
+was bright with Christmas cheer, the wounded hero, with black patch and
+crutches well displayed, sat by the fire in the old chair whose familiar
+creak was soothing to his ear; pretty Dolly was stirring about, gaily
+trimming dresser, settle, high chimney-piece, and old-fashioned cradle
+with mistletoe and holly; while the mother rested beside her son, with
+that blessed baby on her knee. Refreshed by a nap and nourishment, this
+young actor now covered himself with glory by his ecstatic prancings,
+incoherent remarks to the audience, and vain attempts to get to the
+footlights, as he blinked approvingly at these brilliant toys. It was
+good to see Mrs Meg pat him on the back, cuddle the fat legs out of
+sight, and appease his vain longings with a lump of sugar, till Baby
+embraced her with a grateful ardour that brought him a round of applause
+all for his little self.
+
+A sound of singing outside disturbs the happy family, and, after a carol
+in the snowy moonlight, a flock of neighbours troop in with Christmas
+gifts and greetings. Much by-play made this a lively picture; for Sam's
+sweetheart hovered round him with a tenderness the Marquise did not
+show the Baron; and Dolly had a pretty bit under the mistletoe with her
+rustic adorer, who looked so like Ham Peggotty in his cowhide boots,
+rough jacket, and dark beard and wig, that no one would have recognized
+Ted but for the long legs, which no extent of leather could disguise. It
+ended with a homely feast, brought by the guests; and as they sat round
+the table covered with doughnuts and cheese, pumpkin-pie, and other
+delicacies, Sam rises on his crutches to propose the first toast, and
+holding up his mug of cider, says, with a salute, and a choke in his
+voice: 'Mother, God bless her!' All drink it standing, Dolly with her
+arm round the old woman's neck, as she hides her happy tears on her
+daughter's breast; while the irrepressible baby beat rapturously on the
+table with a spoon, and crowed audibly as the curtain went down.
+
+They had it up again in a jiffy to get a last look at the group about
+that central figure, which was showered with bouquets, to the great
+delight of the infant Roscius; till a fat rosebud hit him on the nose,
+and produced the much-dreaded squall, which, fortunately, only added to
+the fun at that moment.
+
+'Well, that will do for a beginning,' said Beaumont, with a sigh of
+relief, as the curtain descended for the last time, and the actors
+scattered to dress for the closing piece.
+
+'As an experiment, it is a success. Now we can venture to begin our
+great American drama,' answered Mrs Jo, full of satisfaction and grand
+ideas for the famous play--which, we may add, she did not write that
+year, owing to various dramatic events in her own family.
+
+The Owlsdark Marbles closed the entertainment, and, being something new,
+proved amusing to this very indulgent audience. The gods and goddesses
+on Parnassus were displayed in full conclave; and, thanks to Mrs Amy's
+skill in draping and posing, the white wigs and cotton-flannel robes
+were classically correct and graceful, though sundry modern additions
+somewhat marred the effect, while adding point to the showman's learned
+remarks. Mr Laurie was Professor Owlsdark in cap and gown; and, after
+a high-flown introduction, he proceeded to exhibit and explain his
+marbles. The first figure was a stately Minerva; but a second glance
+produced a laugh, for the words 'Women's Rights' adorned her shield, a
+scroll bearing the motto 'Vote early and often' hung from the beak of
+the owl perched on her lance, and a tiny pestle and mortar ornamented
+her helmet. Attention was drawn to the firm mouth, the piercing eye, the
+awe-inspiring brow, of the strong-minded woman of antiquity, and some
+scathing remarks made upon the degeneracy of her modern sisters who
+failed to do their duty. Mercury came next, and was very fine in his
+airy attitude, though the winged legs quivered as if it was difficult to
+keep the lively god in his place. His restless nature was dilated upon,
+his mischievous freaks alluded to, and a very bad character given to
+the immortal messenger-boy; which delighted his friends and caused
+the marble nose of the victim to curl visibly with scorn when derisive
+applause greeted a particularly hard hit. A charming little Hebe stood
+next, pouring nectar from a silver teapot into a blue china tea-cup. She
+also pointed a moral; for the Professor explained that the nectar of old
+was the beverage which cheers but does not inebriate, and regretted that
+the excessive devotion of American women to this classic brew proved so
+harmful, owing to the great development of brain their culture produced.
+A touch at modern servants, in contrast to this accomplished table-girl,
+made the statue's cheeks glow under the chalk, and brought her a hearty
+round as the audience recognized Dolly and the smart soubrette.
+
+Jove in all his majesty followed, as he and his wife occupied the
+central pedestals in the half-circle of immortals. A splendid Jupiter,
+with hair well set up off the fine brow, ambrosial beard, silver
+thunderbolts in one hand, and a well-worn ferule in the other. A
+large stuffed eagle from the museum stood at his feet; and the benign
+expression of his august countenance showed that he was in a good
+humour--as well he might be, for he was paid some handsome compliments
+upon his wise rule, the peaceful state of his kingdom, and the brood
+of all-accomplished Pallases that yearly issued from his mighty brain.
+Cheers greeted this and other pleasant words, and caused the thunderer
+to bow his thanks; for 'Jove nods', as everyone knows, and flattery wins
+the heart of gods and men.
+
+Mrs Juno, with her peacocks, darning-needle, pen, and cooking-spoon, did
+not get off so easily; for the Professor was down on her with all manner
+of mirth-provoking accusations, criticisms, and insults even. He alluded
+to her domestic infelicity, her meddlesome disposition, sharp tongue,
+bad temper, and jealousy, closing, however, with a tribute to her
+skill in caring for the wounds and settling the quarrels of belligerent
+heroes, as well as her love for youths in Olympus and on earth. Gales of
+laughter greeted these hits, varied by hisses from some indignant boys,
+who would not bear, even in joke, any disrespect to dear Mother Bhaer,
+who, however, enjoyed it all immensely, as the twinkle in her eye and
+the irrepressible pucker of her lips betrayed.
+
+A jolly Bacchus astride of his cask took Vulcan's place, and appeared to
+be very comfortable with a beer-mug in one hand, a champagne bottle in
+the other, and a garland of grapes on his curly head. He was the text
+of a short temperance lecture, aimed directly at a row of smart young
+gentlemen who lined the walls of the auditorium. George Cole was seen
+to dodge behind a pillar at one point, Dolly nudged his neighbour at
+another, and there was laughter all along the line as the Professor
+glared at them through his big glasses, and dragged their bacchanalian
+orgies to the light and held them up to scorn.
+
+Seeing the execution he had done, the learned man turned to the lovely
+Diana, who stood as white and still as the plaster stag beside her, with
+sandals, bow, and crescent; quite perfect, and altogether the best piece
+of statuary in the show. She was very tenderly treated by the paternal
+critic who, merely alluding to her confirmed spinsterhood, fondness for
+athletic sports, and oracular powers, gave a graceful little exposition
+of true art and passed on to the last figure.
+
+This was Apollo in full fig, his curls skilfully arranged to hide a
+well-whitened patch over the eye, his handsome legs correctly poised,
+and his gifted fingers about to draw divine music from the silvered
+gridiron which was his lyre. His divine attributes were described, as
+well as his little follies and failings, among which were his weakness
+for photography and flute-playing, his attempts to run a newspaper, and
+his fondness for the society of the Muses; which latter slap produced
+giggles and blushes among the girl-graduates, and much mirth among the
+stricken youths; for misery loves company, and after this they began to
+rally.
+
+Then, with a ridiculous conclusion, the Professor bowed his thanks;
+and after several recalls the curtain fell, but not quickly enough to
+conceal Mercury, wildly waving his liberated legs, Hebe dropping her
+teapot, Bacchus taking a lovely roll on his barrel, and Mrs Juno rapping
+the impertinent Owlsdark on the head with Jove's ruler.
+
+While the audience filed out to supper in the hall, the stage was a
+scene of dire confusion as gods and goddesses, farmers and barons,
+maids and carpenters, congratulated one another on the success of their
+labours. Assuming various costumes, actors and actresses soon joined
+their guests, to sip bounteous draughts of praise with their coffee, and
+cool their modest blushes with ice-cream. Mrs Meg was a proud and happy
+woman when Miss Cameron came to her as she sat by Josie, with Demi
+serving both, and said, so cordially that it was impossible to doubt the
+sincerity of her welcome words:
+
+'Mrs Brooke, I no longer wonder where your children get their talent.
+I make my compliments to the Baron and next summer you must let me have
+little “Dolly” as a pupil when we are at the beach.'
+
+One can easily imagine how this offer was received, as well as the
+friendly commendation bestowed by the same kind critic on the work of
+Beaumont and Fletcher, who hastened to explain that this trifle was only
+an attempt to make nature and art go hand in hand, with little help from
+fine writing or imposing scenery. Everybody was in the happiest mood,
+especially 'little Dolly', who danced like a will-o'-the-wisp with
+light-footed Mercury and Apollo as he promenaded with the Marquise on
+his arm, who seemed to have left her coquetry in the green room with her
+rouge.
+
+When all was over, Mrs Juno said to Jove, to whose arm she clung as they
+trudged home along the snowy paths: 'Fritz dear, Christmas is a good
+time for new resolutions, and I've made one never to be impatient or
+fretful with my beloved husband again. I know I am, though you won't own
+it; but Laurie's fun had some truth in it, and I felt hit in a tender
+spot. Henceforth I am a model wife, else I don't deserve the dearest,
+best man ever born'; and being in a dramatic mood, Mrs Juno tenderly
+embraced her excellent Jove in the moonlight, to the great amusement of
+sundry lingerers behind them.
+
+So all three plays might be considered successes, and that merry
+Christmas night a memorable one in the March family; for Demi got an
+unspoken question answered, Josie's fondest wish was granted, and,
+thanks to Professor Owlsdark's jest, Mrs Jo made Professor Bhaer's busy
+life quite a bed of roses by the keeping of her resolution. A few days
+later she had her reward for this burst of virtue in Dan's letter, which
+set her fears at rest and made her very happy, though she was unable to
+tell him so, because he sent her no address.
+
+
+
+Chapter 15. WAITING
+
+'My wife, I have bad news for thee,' said Professor Bhaer, coming in one
+day early in January.
+
+'Please tell it at once. I can't bear to wait, Fritz,' cried Mrs Jo,
+dropping her work and standing up as if to take the shot bravely.
+
+'But we must wait and hope, heart's-dearest. Come and let us bear it
+together. Emil's ship is lost, and as yet no news of him.'
+
+It was well Mr Bhaer had taken his wife into his strong arms, for she
+looked ready to drop, but bore up after a moment, and sitting by her
+good man, heard all that there was to tell. Tidings had been sent to the
+shipowners at Hamburg by some of the survivors, and telegraphed at once
+by Franz to his uncle. As one boat-load was safe, there was hope that
+others might also escape, though the gale had sent two to the bottom.
+A swift-sailing steamer had brought these scanty news, and happier ones
+might come at any hour; but kind Franz had not added that the sailors
+reported the captain's boat as undoubtedly wrecked by the falling mast,
+since the smoke hid its escape, and the gale soon drove all far asunder.
+But this sad rumour reached Plumfield in time; and deep was the mourning
+for the happyhearted Commodore, never to come singing home again. Mrs
+Jo refused to believe it, stoutly insisting that Emil would outlive
+any storm and yet turn up safe and gay. It was well she clung to this
+hopeful view, for poor Mr Bhaer was much afflicted by the loss of his
+boy, because his sister's sons had been his so long he scarcely knew a
+different love for his very own. Now was a chance for Mrs Juno to keep
+her word; and she did, speaking cheerily of Emil, even when hope waxed
+faint and her heart was heavy. If anything could comfort the Bhaers for
+the loss of one boy, it would have been the affection and sorrow shown
+by all the rest. Franz kept the cable busy with his varying messages,
+Nat sent loving letters from Leipzig, and Tom harassed the shipping
+agents for news. Even busy Jack wrote them with unusual warmth; Dolly
+and George came often, bearing the loveliest flowers and the
+daintiest bon-bons to cheer Mrs Bhaer and sweeten Josie's grief; while
+good-hearted Ned travelled all the way from Chicago to press their hands
+and say, with a tear in his eye: 'I was so anxious to hear all about the
+dear old boy, I couldn't keep away.'
+
+'That's right comfortable, and shows me that if I didn't teach my boys
+anything else, I did give them the brotherly love that will make them
+stand by one another all their lives,' said Mrs Jo, when he had gone.
+
+Rob answered reams of sympathizing letters, which showed how many
+friends they had; and the kindly praises of the lost man would have
+made Emil a hero and a saint, had they all been true. The elders bore
+it quietly, having learned submission in life's hard school; but the
+younger people rebelled; some hoped against hope and kept up, others
+despaired at once, and little Josie, Emil's pet cousin and playmate, was
+so broken-hearted nothing could comfort her. Nan dosed in vain, Daisy's
+cheerful words went by like the wind, and Bess's devices to amuse her
+all failed utterly. To cry in mother's arms and talk about the wreck,
+which haunted her even in her sleep, was all she cared to do; and Mrs
+Meg was getting anxious when Miss Cameron sent Josie a kind note bidding
+her learn bravely her first lesson in real tragedy, and be like the
+self-sacrificing heroines she loved to act. That did the little girl
+good, and she made an effort in which Teddy and Octoo helped her much;
+for the boy was deeply impressed by this sudden eclipse of the firefly
+whose light and life all missed when they were gone, and lured her out
+every day for long drives behind the black mare, who shook her silvery
+bells till they made such merry music Josie could not help listening to
+it, and whisked her over the snowy roads at a pace which set the blood
+dancing in her veins and sent her home strengthened and comforted by
+sunshine, fresh air, and congenial society--three aids young sufferers
+seldom can resist.
+
+As Emil was helping nurse Captain Hardy, safe and well, aboard the ship,
+all this sorrow would seem wasted; but it was not, for it drew many
+hearts more closely together by a common grief, taught some patience,
+some sympathy, some regret for faults that lie heavy on the conscience
+when the one sinned against is gone, and all of them the solemn lesson
+to be ready when the summons comes. A hush lay over Plumfield for weeks,
+and the studious faces on the hill reflected the sadness of those in the
+valley. Sacred music sounded from Parnassus to comfort all who heard;
+the brown cottage was beseiged with gifts for the little mourner, and
+Emil's flag hung at half-mast on the roof where he last sat with Mrs Jo.
+
+So the weeks went heavily by till suddenly, like a thunderbolt out of a
+clear sky, came the news, 'All safe, letters on the way.' Then up went
+the flag, out rang the college bells, bang went Teddy's long-unused
+cannon, and a chorus of happy voices cried 'Thank God', as people went
+about, laughing, crying, and embracing one another in a rapture of
+delight. By and by the longed-for letters came, and all the story of the
+wreck was told; briefly by Emil, eloquently by Mrs Hardy, gratefully by
+the captain, while Mary added a few tender words that went straight to
+their hearts and seemed the sweetest of all. Never were letters so read,
+passed round, admired, and cried over as these; for Mrs Jo carried them
+in her pocket when Mr Bhaer did not have them in his, and both took a
+look at them when they said their prayers at night. Now the Professor
+was heard humming like a big bee again as he went to his classes, and
+the lines smoothed out of Mother Bhaer's forehead, while she wrote this
+real story to anxious friends and let her romances wait. Now messages
+of congratulation flowed in, and beaming faces showed everywhere. Rob
+amazed his parents by producing a poem which was remarkably good for one
+of his years, and Demi set it to music that it might be sung when the
+sailor boy returned. Teddy stood on his head literally, and tore about
+the neighbourhood on Octoo, like a second Paul Revere--only his tidings
+were good. But best of all, little Josie lifted up her head as the
+snowdrops did, and began to bloom again, growing tall and quiet, with
+the shadow of past sorrow to tone down her former vivacity and show
+that she had learned a lesson in trying to act well her part on the real
+stage, where all have to take their share in the great drama of life.
+
+Now another sort of waiting began; for the travellers were on their way
+to Hamburg, and would stay there awhile before coming home, as Uncle
+Hermann owned the Brenda, and the captain must report to him. Emil must
+remain to Franz's wedding, deferred till now because of the season of
+mourning, so happily ended. These plans were doubly welcome and pleasant
+after the troublous times which went before, and no spring ever seemed
+so beautiful as this one; for, as Teddy put it:
+
+    'Now is the winter of our discontent
+     Made glorious by these sons of Bhaer!'
+
+Franz and Emil being regarded in the light of elder brothers by the real
+'sons of Bhaer'.
+
+There was great scrubbing and dusting among the matrons as they set
+their houses in order not only for Class Day, but to receive the bride
+and groom, who were to come to them for the honeymoon trip. Great plans
+were made, gifts prepared, and much joy felt at the prospect of seeing
+Franz again; though Emil, who was to accompany them, would be the
+greater hero. Little did the dear souls dream what a surprise was in
+store for them, as they innocently laid their plans and wished all the
+boys could be there to welcome home their eldest and their Casablanca.
+
+While they wait and work so happily, let us see how our other absent
+boys are faring as they too wait and work and hope for better days. Nat
+was toiling steadily along the path he had wisely chosen, though it was
+by no means strewn with flowers--quite thorny was it, in fact, and hard
+to travel, after the taste of ease and pleasure he had got when nibbling
+at forbidden fruit. But his crop of wild oats was a light one, and he
+resolutely reaped what he had sowed, finding some good wheat among
+the tares. He taught by day; he fiddled night after night in the dingy
+little theatre, and he studied so diligently that his master was well
+pleased, and kept him in mind as one to whom preferment was due, if any
+chance occurred. Gay friends forgot him; but the old ones stood fast,
+and cheered him up when Heimweh and weariness made him sad. As spring
+came on things mended--expenses grew less, work pleasanter, and life
+more bearable than when wintry storms beat on his thinly clad back, and
+frost pinched the toes that patiently trudged in old boots. No debts
+burdened him; the year of absence was nearly over; and if he chose to
+stay, Herr Bergmann had hopes for him that would bring independence for
+a time at least. So he walked under the lindens with a lighter heart,
+and in the May evenings went about the city with a band of strolling
+students, making music before houses where he used to sit as guest. No
+one recognized him in the darkness, though old friends often listened
+to the band; and once Minna threw him money, which he humbly received as
+part of his penance, being morbid on the subject of his sins.
+
+His reward came sooner than he expected, and was greater than he
+deserved, he thought, though his heart leaped with joy when his master
+one day informed him that he was chosen, with several other of his most
+promising pupils, to join the musical society which was to take part in
+the great festival in London the next July. Here was not only honour for
+the violinist but happiness for the man, as it brought him nearer home,
+and would open a chance of further promotion and profit in his chosen
+profession.
+
+'Make thyself useful to Bachmeister there in London with thy English,
+and if all goes well with him, he will be glad to take thee to America,
+whither he goes in the early autumn for winter concerts. Thou hast done
+well these last months, and I have hopes of thee.'
+
+As the great Bergmann seldom praised his pupils, these words filled
+Nat's soul with pride and joy, and he worked yet more diligently than
+before to fulfil his master's prophecy. He thought the trip to England
+happiness enough, but found room for more when, early in June, Franz
+and Emil paid him a flying visit, bringing all sorts of good news, kind
+wishes, and comfortable gifts for the lonely fellow, who could have
+fallen on their necks and cried like a girl at seeing his old mates
+again. How glad he was to be found in his little room busy at his proper
+work, not living like an idle gentleman on borrowed money! How proud
+he was to tell his plans, assure them that he had no debts, and receive
+their praises for his improvement in music, their respect for his
+economy and steadfastness in well-doing! How relieved when, having
+honestly confessed his shortcomings, they only laughed, and owned that
+they also had known like experiences, and were the wiser for them. He
+was to go to the wedding late in June, and join his comrades in London.
+As best man, he could not refuse the new suit Franz insisted on ordering
+for him; and a cheque from home about that time made him feel like a
+millionaire--and a happy one; for this was accompanied by such kind
+letters full of delight in his success, he felt that he had earned it,
+and waited for his joyful holiday with the impatience of a boy.
+
+Dan meantime was also counting the weeks till August, when he would
+be free. But neither marriage-bells nor festival music awaited him; no
+friends would greet him as he left the prison; no hopeful prospect lay
+before him; no happy home-going was to be his. Yet his success was far
+greater than Nat's, though only God and one good man saw it. It was
+a hard-won battle; but he would never have to fight so terrible a
+one again; for though enemies would still assail from within and from
+without, he had found the little guide-book that Christian carried in
+his bosom, and Love, Penitence, and Prayer, the three sweet sisters, had
+given him the armour which would keep him safe. He had not learned to
+wear it yet, and chafed against it, though he felt its value, thanks to
+the faithful friend who had stood by him all that bitter year.
+
+Soon he was to be free again, worn and scarred in the fray, but out
+among men in the blessed sun and air. When he thought of it Dan felt as
+if he could not wait, but must burst that narrow cell and fly away,
+as the caddis-worms he used to watch by the brookside shed their stony
+coffins, to climb the ferns and soar into the sky. Night after night he
+lulled himself to sleep with planning how, when he had seen Mary Mason
+according to his promise, he would steer straight for his old friends,
+the Indians, and in the wilderness hide his disgrace and heal his
+wounds. Working to save the many would atone for the sin of killing
+one, he thought; and the old free life would keep him safe from the
+temptations that beset him in cities.
+
+'By and by, when I'm all right again, and have something to tell that
+I'm not ashamed of, I'll go home,' he said, with a quicker beat of the
+impetuous heart that longed to be there so intensely, he found it as
+hard to curb as one of his unbroken horses on the plains. 'Not yet. I
+must get over this first. They'd see and smell and feel the prison taint
+on me, if I went now, and I couldn't look them in the face and hide
+the truth. I can't lose Ted's love, Mother Bhaer's confidence, and the
+respect of the girls, for they did respect my strength, anyway; but now
+they wouldn't touch me.' And poor Dan looked with a shudder at the brown
+fist he clenched involuntarily as he remembered what it had done since
+a certain little white hand had laid in it confidingly. 'I'll make 'em
+proud of me yet; and no one shall ever know of this awful year. I can
+wipe it out, and I will, so help me God!' And the clenched hand was held
+up as if to take a solemn oath that this lost year should yet be made
+good, if resolution and repentance could work the miracle.
+
+
+
+Chapter 16. IN THE TENNIS-COURT
+
+Athletic sports were in high favour at Plumfield; and the river where
+the old punt used to wabble about with a cargo of small boys, or echo to
+the shrill screams of little girls trying to get lilies, now was
+alive with boats of all kinds, from the slender wherry to the trim
+pleasure-craft, gay with cushions, awnings, and fluttering pennons.
+Everyone rowed, and the girls as well as the youths had their races, and
+developed their muscles in the most scientific manner. The large, level
+meadow near the old willow was now the college playground, and here
+baseball battles raged with fury, varied by football, leaping, and
+kindred sports fitted to split the fingers, break the ribs, and strain
+the backs of the too ambitious participants. The gentler pastimes of the
+damsels were at a safe distance from this Champ de Mars; croquet mallets
+clicked under the elms that fringed the field, rackets rose and fell
+energetically in several tennis-courts, and gates of different heights
+were handy to practise the graceful bound by which every girl expected
+to save her life some day when the mad bull, which was always coming but
+never seemed to arrive, should be bellowing at her heels.
+
+One of these tennis grounds was called 'Jo's Court', and here the little
+lady ruled like a queen; for she was fond of the game, and being bent on
+developing her small self to the highest degree of perfection, she was
+to be found at every leisure moment with some victim hard at it. On a
+certain pleasant Saturday afternoon she had been playing with Bess and
+beating her; for, though more graceful, the Princess was less active
+than her cousin, and cultivated her roses by quieter methods.
+
+'Oh dear! you are tired, and every blessed boy is at that stupid
+baseball match. 'What shall I do?' sighed Josie, pushing back the great
+red hat she wore, and gazing sadly round her for more worlds to conquer.
+
+'I'll play presently, when I'm a little cooler. But it is dull work for
+me, as I never win,' answered Bess, fanning herself with a large leaf.
+
+Josie was about to sit down beside her on the rustic seat and wait, when
+her quick eye saw afar off two manly forms arrayed in white flannel;
+their blue legs seemed bearing them towards the battle going on in the
+distance; but they never reached the fray; for with a cry of joy,
+Jo raced away to meet them, bent on securing this heaven-sent
+reinforcement. Both paused as she came flying up, and both raised their
+hats; but oh, the difference there was in the salutes! The stout youth
+pulled his off lazily and put it on again at once, as if glad to get the
+duty over; the slender being, with the crimson tie, lifted his with a
+graceful bend, and held it aloft while he accosted the rosy, breathless
+maid, thus permitting her to see his raven locks smoothly parted, with
+one little curl upon the brow. Dolly prided himself upon that bow, and
+practised it before his glass, but did not bestow it upon all alike,
+regarding it as a work of art, fit only for the fairest and most
+favoured of his female admirers; for he was a pretty youth, and fancied
+himself an Adonis.
+
+Eager Josie evidently did not appreciate the honour he did her, for with
+a nod she begged them both to 'come along and play tennis, not go and
+get all hot and dirty with the boys'. These two adjectives won the day;
+for Stuffy was already warmer than he liked to be, and Dolly had on
+a new suit which he desired to keep immaculate as long as possible,
+conscious that it was very becoming.
+
+'Charmed to oblige,' answered the polite one, with another bend.
+
+'You play, I'll rest,' added the fat boy, yearning for repose and gentle
+converse with the Princess in the cooling shade.
+
+'Well, you can comfort Bess, for I've beaten her all to bits and she
+needs amusing. I know you've got something nice in your pocket, George;
+give her some, and 'Dolphus can have her racket. Now then, fly round';
+and driving her prey before her, Josie returned in triumph to the court.
+
+Casting himself ponderously upon the bench, which creaked under his
+weight, Stuffy--as we will continue to call him, though no one
+else dared to use the old name now--promptly produced the box of
+confectionery, without which he never travelled far, and regaled Bess
+with candied violets and other dainties, while Dolly worked hard to hold
+his own against a most accomplished antagonist. He would have beaten her
+if an unlucky stumble, which produced an unsightly stain upon the knee
+of those new shorts, had not distracted his mind and made him careless.
+Much elated at her victory, Josie permitted him to rest, and offered
+ironical consolation for the mishap which evidently weighed upon his
+mind.
+
+'Don't be an old Betty; it can be cleaned. You must have been a cat
+in some former state, you are so troubled about dirt; or a tailor, and
+lived for clothes.'
+
+'Come now, don't hit a fellow when he is down,' responded Dolly from
+the grass where he and Stuffy now lay to make room for both girls on the
+seat. One handkerchief was spread under him, and his elbow leaned upon
+another, while his eyes were sadly fixed upon the green and brown spot
+which afflicted him. 'I like to be neat; don't think it civil to cut
+about in old shoes and grey flannel shirts before ladies. Our fellows
+are gentlemen, and dress as such,' he added, rather nettled at the
+word 'tailor'; for he owed one of those too attractive persons an
+uncomfortably big bill.
+
+'So are ours; but good clothes alone don't make a gentleman here. We
+require a good deal more,' flashed Josie, in arms at once to defend
+her college. 'You will hear of some of the men in “old boots and grey
+flannel” when you and your fine gentlemen are twiddling your ties and
+scenting your hair in obscurity. I like old boots and wear them, and I
+hate dandies; don't you, Bess?'
+
+'Not when they are kind to me, and belong to our old set,' answered
+Bess, with a nod of thanks to Dolly, who was carefully removing an
+inquisitive caterpillar from one of her little russet shoes.
+
+'I like a lady who is always polite, and doesn't snap a man's head off
+if he has a mind of his own; don't you, George?' asked Dolly, with his
+best smile for Bess and a Harvard stare of disapprobation for Josie.
+
+A tranquil snore was Stuffy's sole reply, and a general laugh restored
+peace for the moment. But Josie loved to harass the lords of creation
+who asserted themselves too much, and bided her time for another attack
+till she had secured more tennis. She got another game; for Dolly was
+a sworn knight of dames, so he obeyed her call, leaving Bess to sketch
+George as he lay upon his back, his stout legs crossed, and his round
+red face partially eclipsed by his hat. Josie got beaten this time and
+came back rather cross, so she woke the peaceful sleeper by tickling his
+nose with a straw till he sneezed himself into a sitting posture, and
+looked wrathfully about for 'that confounded fly'.
+
+'Come, sit up and let us have a little elegant conversation; you
+“howling swells” ought to improve our minds and manners, for we are
+only poor “country girls in dowdy gowns and hats”,' began the gad-fly,
+opening the battle with a sly quotation from one of Dolly's unfortunate
+speeches about certain studious damsels who cared more for books than
+finery.
+
+'I didn't mean you! Your gowns are all right, and those hats the latest
+thing out,' began poor 'Dolphus, convicting himself by the incautious
+exclamation.
+
+'Caught you that time; I thought you fellows were all gentlemen, civil
+as well as nice. But you are always sneering at girls who don't dress
+well and that is a very unmanly thing to do; my mother said so'; and
+Josie felt that she had dealt a shrewd blow at the elegant youth who
+bowed at many shrines if they were well-decorated ones.
+
+'Got you there, old boy, and she's right. You never hear me talk about
+clothes and such twaddle,' said Stuffy, suppressing a yawn, and feeling
+for another bon-bon wherewith to refresh himself.
+
+'You talk about eating, and that is even worse for a man. You will marry
+a cook and keep a restaurant some day,' laughed Josie, down on him at
+once.
+
+This fearful prediction kept him silent for several moments; but Dolly
+rallied, and wisely changing the subject, carried war into the enemy's
+camp.
+
+'As you wanted us to improve your manners, allow me to say that young
+ladies in good society don't make personal remarks or deliver lectures.
+Little girls who are not out do it, and think it witty; but I assure you
+it's not good form.'
+
+Josie paused a moment to recover from the shock of being called 'a
+little girl', when all the honours of her fourteenth birthday were fresh
+upon her; and Bess said, in the lofty tone which was infinitely more
+crushing than Jo's impertinence:
+
+'That is true; but we have lived all our lives with superior people, so
+we have no society talk like your young ladies. We are so accustomed to
+sensible conversation, and helping one another by telling our faults,
+that we have no gossip to offer you.'
+
+When the Princess reproved, the boys seldom resented it; so Dolly held
+his peace, and Josie burst out, following her cousin's lead, which she
+thought a happy one:
+
+'Our boys like to have us talk with them, and take kindly any hints we
+give. They don't think they know everything and are quite perfect at
+eighteen, as I've observed the Harvard men do, especially the very young
+ones.'
+
+Josie took immense satisfaction in that return shot; and Dolly showed
+that he was hit, by the nettled tone in which he answered, with a
+supercilious glance at the hot, dusty, and noisy crowd on the baseball
+ground: 'The class of fellows you have here need all the polish and
+culture you can give them; and I'm glad they get it. Our men are largely
+from the best families all over the country, so we don't need girls to
+teach us anything.'
+
+'It's a pity you don't have more of such “fellows” as ours. They value
+and use well what college gives them, and aren't satisfied to slip
+through, getting all the fun they can and shirking the work. Oh, I've
+heard you “men” talk, and heard your fathers say they wish they hadn't
+wasted time and money just that you might say you'd been through
+college. As for the girls, you'll be much better off in all ways when
+they do get in, and keep you lazy things up to the mark, as we do here.'
+
+'If you have such a poor opinion of us, why do you wear our colour?'
+asked Dolly, painfully conscious that he was not improving the
+advantages his Alma Mater offered him, but bound to defend her.
+
+'I don't; my hat is scarlet, not crimson. Much you know about a colour,'
+scoffed Josie.
+
+'I know that a cross cow would soon set you scampering, if you flaunted
+that red tile under her nose,' retorted Dolly.
+
+'I'm ready for her. Can your fine young ladies do this? or you either?'
+and burning to display her latest accomplishment, Josie ran to the
+nearest gate, put one hand on the top rail, and vaulted over as lightly
+as a bird.
+
+Bess shook her head, and Stuffy languidly applauded; but Dolly scorning
+to be braved by a girl, took a flying leap and landed on his feet beside
+Josie, saying calmly: 'Can you do that?'
+
+'Not yet; but I will by and by.'
+
+As his foe looked a little crestfallen, Dolly relented, and affably
+added sundry feats of a like nature, quite unconscious that he had
+fallen into a dreadful snare; for the dull red paint on the gate, not
+being used to such vigorous handling, came off in streaks upon his
+shoulders when he turned a backward swing and came up smiling, to be
+rewarded with the aggravating remark:
+
+'If you want to know what crimson is, look at your back; it's nicely
+stamped on and won't wash out, I think.'
+
+'The deuce it won't!' cried Dolly, trying to get an impossible view, and
+giving it up in great disgust.
+
+'I guess we'd better be going, Dolf,' said peaceable Stuffy, feeling
+that it would be wise to retreat before another skirmish took place, as
+his side seemed to be getting the worst of it.
+
+'Don't hurry, I beg; stay and rest; you must need it after the
+tremendous amount of brain work you've done this week. It is time for
+our Greek. Come, Bess. Good afternoon, gentlemen.' And, with a sweeping
+courtesy, Josie led the way, with her hat belligerently cocked up, and
+her racket borne like a triumphal banner over one shoulder; for having
+had the last word, she felt that she could retire with the honours of
+war.
+
+Dolly gave Bess his best bow, with the chill on; and Stuffy subsided
+luxuriously, with his legs in the air, murmuring in a dreamy tone:
+
+'Little Jo is as cross as two sticks today. I'm going in for another
+nap: too hot to play anything.'
+
+'So it is. Wonder if Spitfire was right about these beastly spots?'
+And Dolly sat down to try dry cleansing with one of his handkerchiefs.
+'Asleep?' he asked, after a few moments of this cheerful occupation,
+fearing that his chum might be too comfortable when he was in a fume
+himself.
+
+'No. I was thinking that Jo wasn't far wrong about shirking. 'Tis a
+shame to get so little done, when we ought to be grinding like Morton
+and Torry and that lot. I never wanted to go to college; but my governor
+made me. Much good it will do either of us!' answered Stuffy, with a
+groan; for he hated work, and saw two more long years of it before him.
+
+'Gives a man prestige, you know. No need to dig. I mean to have a gay
+old time, and be a “howling swell”, if I choose. Between you and me
+though, it would be no end jolly to have the girls along. Study be
+hanged! But if we've got to turn the grindstone, it would be mighty nice
+to have some of the little dears to lend a hand. Wouldn't it now?'
+
+'I'd like three this minute--one to fan me, one to kiss me, and one
+to give me some iced lemonade!' sighed Stuffy, with a yearning glance
+towards the house, whence no succour appeared.
+
+'How would root-beer do?' asked a voice behind them, which made Dolly
+spring to his feet and Stuffy roll over like a startled porpoise.
+
+Sitting on the stile that crossed the wall near by was Mrs Jo, with two
+jugs slung over her shoulder by a strap, several tin mugs in her hand,
+and an old-fashioned sun-bonnet on her head.
+
+'I knew the boys would be killing themselves with ice-water; so I
+strolled down with some of my good, wholesome beer. They drank like
+fishes. But Silas was with me; so my cruse still holds out. Have some?'
+
+'Yes, thanks, very much. Let us pour it.' And Dolly held the cup while
+Stuffy joyfully filled it; both very grateful, but rather afraid she had
+heard what went before the wish she fulfilled.
+
+She proved that she had by saying, as they stood drinking her health,
+while she sat between them, looking like a middle-aged vivandiere, with
+her jugs and mugs:
+
+'I was glad to hear you say you would like to have girls at your
+college; but I hope you will learn to speak more respectfully of them
+before they come; for that will be the first lesson they will teach
+you.'
+
+'Really, ma'am, I was only joking,' began Stuffy, gulping down his beer
+in a hurry.
+
+'So was I. I'm sure I--I'm devoted to 'em,' stuttered Dolly,
+panic-stricken; for he saw that he was in for a lecture of some sort.
+
+'Not in the right way. Frivolous girls may like to be called “little
+dears” and things of that sort; but the girls who love study wish to be
+treated like reasonable beings, not dolls to flirt with. Yes, I'm going
+to preach; that's my business; so stand up and take it like men.'
+
+Mrs Jo laughed; but she was in earnest; for by various hints and signs
+during the past winter she knew that the boys were beginning to 'see
+life' in the way she especially disapproved. Both were far from home,
+had money enough to waste, and were as inexperienced, curious, and
+credulous as most lads of their age. Not fond of books, therefore
+without the safeguard which keeps many studious fellows out of harm; one
+self-indulgent, indolent, and so used to luxury that pampering of the
+senses was an easy thing; the other vain, as all comely boys are, full
+of conceit, and so eager to find favour in the eyes of his comrades
+that he was ready for anything which would secure it. These traits and
+foibles made both peculiarly liable to the temptations which assail
+pleasure-loving and weak-willed boys. Mrs Jo knew them well, and had
+dropped many a warning word since they went to college; but till lately
+they seemed not to understand some of her friendly hints; now she was
+sure they would, and meant to speak out: for long experience with boys
+made her both bold and skilful in handling some of the dangers usually
+left to silence, till it is too late for anything but pity and reproach.
+
+'I'm going to talk to you like a mother, because yours are far away; and
+there are things that mothers can manage best, if they do their duty,'
+she solemnly began from the depths of the sunbonnet.
+
+'Great Scott! We're in for it now!' thought Dolly, in secret dismay;
+while Stuffy got the first blow by trying to sustain himself with
+another mug of beer.
+
+'That won't hurt you; but I must warn you about drinking other things,
+George. Overeating is an old story; and a few more fits of illness will
+teach you to be wise. But drinking is a more serious thing, and leads
+to worse harm than any that can afflict your body alone. I hear you
+talk about wines as if you knew them and cared more for them than a
+boy should; and several times I've heard jokes that meant mischief. For
+heaven's sake, don't begin to play with this dangerous taste “for fun”,
+as you say, or because it's the fashion, and the other fellows do. Stop
+at once, and learn that temperance in all things is the only safe rule.'
+
+'Upon my honour, I only take wine and iron. I need a tonic, mother
+says, to repair the waste of brain-tissue while I'm studying,' protested
+Stuffy, putting down the mug as if it burnt his fingers.
+
+'Good beef and oatmeal will repair your tissues much better than any
+tonic of that sort. Work and plain fare are what you want; and I wish
+I had you here for a few months out of harm's way. I'd Banting you, and
+fit you to run without puffing, and get on without four or five meals a
+day. What an absurd hand that is for a man! You ought to be ashamed
+of it!' And Mrs Jo caught up the plump fist, with deep dimples at each
+knuckle, which was fumbling distressfully at the buckle of the belt girt
+about a waist far too large for a youth of his age.
+
+'I can't help it--we all grow fat; it's in the family,' said Stuffy in
+self-defence.
+
+'All the more reason you should live carefully. Do you want to die
+early, or be an invalid all your life?'
+
+'No, ma'am!'
+
+Stuffy looked so scared that Mrs Jo could not be hard upon his budding
+sins, for they lay at his overindulgent mother's door line in a great
+measure; so she softened the tone of her voice, and added, with a little
+slap on the fat hand, as she used to do when it was small enough to
+pilfer lumps of sugar from her bowl:
+
+'Then be careful; for a man writes his character in his face; and you
+don't want gluttony and intemperance in yours, I know.'
+
+'I'm sure I don't! Please make out a wholesome bill of fare, and I'll
+stick to it, if I can. I am getting stout, and I don't like it; and my
+liver's torpid, and I have palpitations and headache. Overwork, mother
+says; but it may be overeating.' And Stuffy gave a sigh of mingled
+regret for the good things he renounced, and relief as he finished
+loosening his belt as soon as his hand was free.
+
+'I will; follow it, and in a year you'll be a man and not a meal-bag.
+Now, Dolly'; and Mrs Jo turned to the other culprit, who shook in his
+shoes and wished he hadn't come.
+
+'Are you studying French as industriously as you were last winter?'
+
+'No ma'am; I don't care for it--that is, I, I'm busy with G-Greek just
+now,' answered Dolly, beginning bravely, quite in the dark as to what
+that odd question meant till a sudden memory made him stutter and look
+at his shoes with deep interest.
+
+'Oh, he doesn't study it; only reads French novels and goes to the
+theatre when the opera bouffe is here,' said Stuffy, innocently
+confirming Mrs Jo's suspicions.
+
+'So I understood; and that is what I want to speak about. Ted had a
+sudden desire to learn French in that way, from something you said,
+Dolly; so I went myself, and was quite satisfied that it was no place
+for a decent boy. Your men were out in full force; and I was glad to
+see that some of the younger ones looked as ashamed as I felt. The older
+fellows enjoyed it, and when we came out were waiting to take those
+painted girls to supper. Did you ever go with them?'
+
+'Once.'
+
+'Did you like it?'
+
+'No 'm; I--I came away early,' stammered Dolly, with a face as red as
+his splendid tie.
+
+'I'm glad you have not lost the grace of blushing yet; but you will
+soon, if you keep up this sort of study and forget to be ashamed. The
+society of such women will unfit you for that of good ones, and lead you
+into trouble and sin and shame. Oh, why don't the city fathers stop that
+evil thing, when they know the harm it does? It made my heart ache to
+see those boys, who ought to be at home and in their beds, going off for
+a night of riot which would help to ruin some of them for ever.'
+
+The youths looked scared at Mrs Jo's energetic protest against one of
+the fashionable pleasures of the day, and waited in conscience-stricken
+silence--Stuffy glad that he never went to those gay suppers, and
+Dolly deeply grateful that he 'came away early'. With a hand on either
+shoulder, and all the terrors smoothed from her brow, Mrs Jo went on
+in her most motherly tone, anxious to do for them what no other woman
+would, and do it kindly:
+
+'My dear boys, if I didn't love you, I would not say these things. I
+know they are not pleasant; but my conscience won't let me hold my peace
+when a word may keep you from two of the great sins that curse the world
+and send so many young men to destruction. You are just beginning to
+feel the allurement of them, and soon it will be hard to turn away. Stop
+now, I beg of you, and not only save yourselves but help others by
+a brave example. Come to me if things worry you; don't be afraid or
+ashamed; I have heard many sadder confessions than any you are ever
+likely to bring me, and been able to comfort many poor fellows, gone
+wrong for want of a word in time. Do this, and you will be able to
+kiss your mothers with clean lips, and by and by have the right to ask
+innocent girls to love you.'
+
+'Yes'm, thank you. I suppose you're right; but it's pretty hard work
+to toe the mark when ladies give you wine and gentlemen take their
+daughters to see Aimee,' said Dolly, foreseeing tribulations ahead
+though he knew it was time to 'pull up'.
+
+'So it is; but all the more honour to those who are brave and wise
+enough to resist public opinion, and the easy-going morals of bad or
+careless men and women. Think of the persons whom you respect most, and
+in imitating them you will secure the respect of those who look up to
+you. I'd rather my boys should be laughed at and cold-shouldered by a
+hundred foolish fellows than lose what, once gone, no power can give
+them back--innocence and self-respect. I don't wonder you find it
+“hard to toe the mark”, when books, pictures, ball-rooms, theatres, and
+streets offer temptations; yet you can resist, if you try. Last winter
+Mrs Brooke used to worry about John's being out so late reporting; but
+when she spoke to him about the things he must see and hear on his way
+to and fro from the office at midnight, he said in his sober way, “I
+know what you mean, mother; but no fellow need to go wrong unless he
+wants to.”
+
+'That's like the Deacon!' exclaimed Stuffy, with an approving smile on
+his fat face.
+
+'I'm glad you told me that. He's right; and it's because he doesn't want
+to go wrong we all respect him so,' added Dolly, looking up now with
+an expression which assured his Mentor that the right string had been
+touched, and a spirit of emulation roused, more helpful, perhaps, than
+any words of hers. Seeing this, she was satisfied, and said, as she
+prepared to leave the bar before which her culprits had been tried and
+found guilty, but recommended to mercy:
+
+'Then be to others what John is to you--a good example. Forgive me for
+troubling you, my dear lads, and remember my little preachment. I think
+it will do you good, though I may never know it. Chance words spoken
+in kindness often help amazingly; and that's what old people are here
+for--else their experience is of little use. Now, come and find the
+young folk. I hope I shall never have to shut the gates of Plumfield
+upon you, as I have on some of your “gentlemen”. I mean to keep my
+boys and girls safe if I can, and this a wholesome place where the good
+old-fashioned virtues are lived and taught.'
+
+Much impressed by that dire threat, Dolly helped her from her perch with
+deep respect; and Stuffy relieved her of her empty jugs, solemnly vowing
+to abstain from all fermented beverages except root-beer, as long
+as feeble flesh could hold out. Of course they made light of 'Mother
+Bhaer's lecture' when they were alone--that was to be expected of 'men
+of our class' but in their secret souls they thanked her for giving
+their boyish consciences a jog, and more than once afterward had cause
+to remember gratefully that half-hour in the tennis court.
+
+
+
+Chapter 17. AMONG THE MAIDS
+
+Although this story is about Jo's boys, her girls cannot be neglected,
+because they held a high place in this little republic, and especial
+care was taken to fit them to play their parts worthily in the great
+republic which offered them wider opportunities and more serious duties.
+To many the social influence was the better part of the training
+they received; for education is not confined to books, and the finest
+characters often graduate from no college, but make experience their
+master, and life their book. Others cared only for the mental culture,
+and were in danger of over-studying, under the delusion which pervades
+New England that learning must be had at all costs, forgetting that
+health and real wisdom are better. A third class of ambitious girls
+hardly knew what they wanted, but were hungry for whatever could fit
+them to face the world and earn a living, being driven by necessity,
+the urgency of some half-conscious talent, or the restlessness of
+strong young natures to break away from the narrow life which no longer
+satisfied.
+
+At Plumfield all found something to help them; for the growing
+institution had not yet made its rules as fixed as the laws of the
+Medes and Persians, and believed so heartily in the right of all
+sexes, colours, creeds, and ranks to education, that there was room
+for everyone who knocked, and a welcome to the shabby youths from up
+country, the eager girls from the West, the awkward freedman or woman
+from the South, or the well-born student whose poverty made this college
+a possibility when other doors were barred. There still was prejudice,
+ridicule, neglect in high places, and prophecies of failure to contend
+against; but the Faculty was composed of cheerful, hopeful men and women
+who had seen greater reforms spring from smaller roots, and after stormy
+seasons blossom beautifully, to add prosperity and honour to the nation.
+So they worked on steadily and bided their time, full of increasing
+faith in their attempt as year after year their numbers grew, their
+plans succeeded, and the sense of usefulness in this most vital of all
+professions blessed them with its sweet rewards.
+
+Among the various customs which had very naturally sprung up was one
+especially useful and interesting to 'the girls', as the young women
+liked to be called. It all grew out of the old sewing hour still kept up
+by the three sisters long after the little work-boxes had expanded into
+big baskets full of household mending. They were busy women, yet on
+Saturdays they tried to meet in one of the three sewing-rooms; for
+even classic Parnassus had its nook where Mrs Amy often sat among her
+servants, teaching them to make and mend, thereby giving them a respect
+for economy, since the rich lady did not scorn to darn her hose, and sew
+on buttons. In these household retreats, with books and work, and their
+daughters by them, they read and sewed and talked in the sweet privacy
+that domestic women love, and can make so helpful by a wise mixture of
+cooks and chemistry, table linen and theology, prosaic duties and good
+poetry.
+
+Mrs Meg was the first to propose enlarging this little circle; for as
+she went her motherly rounds among the young women she found a sad lack
+of order, skill, and industry in this branch of education. Latin, Greek,
+the higher mathematics, and science of all sorts prospered finely; but
+the dust gathered on the work-baskets, frayed elbows went unheeded, and
+some of the blue stockings sadly needed mending. Anxious lest the usual
+sneer at learned women should apply to 'our girls', she gently lured two
+or three of the most untidy to her house, and made the hour so pleasant,
+the lesson so kindly, that they took the hint, were grateful for the
+favour, and asked to come again. Others soon begged to make the detested
+weekly duty lighter by joining the party, and soon it was a privilege
+so much desired that the old museum was refitted with sewing-machines,
+tables, rocking-chair, and a cheerful fireplace, so that, rain or shine,
+the needles might go on undisturbed.
+
+Here Mrs Meg was in her glory, and stood wielding her big shears like a
+queen as she cut out white work, fitted dresses, and directed Daisy, her
+special aide, about the trimming of hats, and completing the lace and
+ribbon trifles which add grace to the simplest costume and save poor
+or busy girls so much money and time. Mrs Amy contributed taste, and
+decided the great question of colours and complexions; for few women,
+even the most learned, are without that desire to look well which makes
+many a plain face comely, as well as many a pretty one ugly for want of
+skill and knowledge of the fitness of things. She also took her turn to
+provide books for the readings, and as art was her forte she gave them
+selections from Ruskin, Hamerton, and Mrs Jameson, who is never old.
+Bess read these aloud as her contribution, and Josie took her turn at
+the romances, poetry, and plays her uncles recommended. Mrs Jo gave
+little lectures on health, religion, politics, and the various questions
+in which all should be interested, with copious extracts from Miss
+Cobbe's Duties of Women, Miss Brackett's Education of American Girls,
+Mrs Duffy's No Sex in Education, Mrs Woolson's Dress Reform, and many of
+the other excellent books wise women write for their sisters, now that
+they are waking up and asking: 'What shall we do?'
+
+It was curious to see the prejudices melt away as ignorance was
+enlightened, indifference change to interest, and intelligent minds
+set thinking, while quick wits and lively tongues added spice to the
+discussions which inevitably followed. So the feet that wore the neatly
+mended hose carried wiser heads than before, the pretty gowns covered
+hearts warmed with higher purposes, and the hands that dropped the
+thimbles for pens, lexicons, and celestial globes, were better fitted
+for life's work, whether to rock cradles, tend the sick, or help on the
+great work of the world.
+
+One day a brisk discussion arose concerning careers for women. Mrs Jo
+had read something on the subject and asked each of the dozen girls
+sitting about the room, what she intended to do on leaving college.
+The answers were as usual: 'I shall teach, help mother, study medicine,
+art,' etc.; but nearly all ended with:
+
+'Till I marry.'
+
+'But if you don't marry, what then?' asked Mrs Jo, feeling like a girl
+again as she listened to the answers, and watched the thoughtful, gay,
+or eager faces.
+
+'Be old maids, I suppose. Horrid, but inevitable, since there are so
+many superfluous women,' answered a lively lass, too pretty to fear
+single blessedness unless she chose it.
+
+'It is well to consider that fact, and fit yourselves to be useful, not
+superfluous women. That class, by the way, is largely made up of widows,
+I find; so don't consider it a slur on maidenhood.'
+
+'That's a comfort! Old maids aren't sneered at half as much as they used
+to be, since some of them have grown famous and proved that woman isn't
+a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.'
+
+'Don't like it all the same. We can't all be like Miss Nightingale, Miss
+Phelps, and the rest.'
+
+So what can we do but sit in a corner and look on?' asked a plain girl
+with a dissatisfied expression.
+
+'Cultivate cheerfulness and content, if nothing else. But there are so
+many little odd jobs waiting to be done that nobody need “sit idle and
+look on”, unless she chooses,' said Mrs Meg, with a smile, laying on the
+girl's head the new hat she had just trimmed.
+
+'Thank you very much. Yes, Mrs Brooke, I see; it's a little job, but
+it makes me neat and happy--and grateful,' she added, looking up with
+brighter eyes as she accepted the labour of love and the lesson as
+sweetly as they were given.
+
+'One of the best and most beloved women I know has been doing odd jobs
+for the Lord for years, and will keep at it till her dear hands are
+folded in her coffin. All sorts of things she does--picks up neglected
+children and puts them in safe homes, saves lost girls, nurses poor
+women in trouble, sews, knits, trots, begs, works for the poor day after
+day with no reward but the thanks of the needy, the love and honour
+of the rich who make Saint Matilda their almoner. That's a life worth
+living; and I think that quiet little woman will get a higher seat in
+Heaven than many of those of whom the world has heard.'
+
+'I know it's lovely, Mrs Bhaer; but it's dull for young folks. We do
+want a little fun before we buckle to,' said a Western girl with a
+wide-awake face.
+
+'Have your fun, my dear; but if you must earn your bread, try to make it
+sweet with cheerfulness, not bitter with the daily regret that it isn't
+cake. I used to think mine was a very hard fate because I had to amuse
+a somewhat fretful old lady; but the books I read in that lonely library
+have been of immense use to me since, and the dear old soul bequeathed
+me Plumfield for my “cheerful service and affectionate care”. I didn't
+deserve it, but I did use to try to be jolly and kind, and get as
+much honey out of duty as I could, thanks to my dear mother's help and
+advice.'
+
+'Gracious! if I could earn a place like this, I'd sing all day and be an
+angel; but you have to take your chance, and get nothing for your pains,
+perhaps. I never do,' said the Westerner, who had a hard time with small
+means and large aspirations.
+
+'Don't do it for the reward; but be sure it will come, though not in the
+shape you expect. I worked hard for fame and money one winter; but I
+got neither, and was much disappointed. A year afterwards I found I had
+earned two prizes: skill with my pen, and Professor Bhaer.'
+
+Mrs Jo's laugh was echoed blithely by the girls, who liked to have these
+conversations enlivened by illustrations from life.
+
+'You are a very lucky woman,' began the discontented damsel, whose soul
+soared above new hats, welcome as they were, but did not quite know
+where to steer.
+
+'Yet her name used to be “Luckless Jo”, and she never had what she
+wanted till she had given up hoping for it,' said Mrs Meg.
+
+'I'll give up hoping, then, right away, and see if my wishes will come.
+I only want to help my folks, and get a good school.'
+
+'Take this proverb for your guide: “Get the distaff ready, and the Lord
+will send the flax”,' answered Mrs Jo.
+
+'We'd better all do that, if we are to be spinsters,' said the pretty
+one, adding gaily, 'I think I should like it, on the whole--they are so
+independent. My Aunt Jenny can do just what she likes, and ask no one's
+leave; but Ma has to consult Pa about everything. Yes, I'll give you my
+chance, Sally, and be a “superfluum”, as Mr Plock says.'
+
+'You'll be one of the first to go into bondage, see if you aren't. Much
+obliged, all the same.'
+
+'Well, I'll get my distaff ready, and take whatever flax the Fates
+send--single, or double-twisted, as the powers please.'
+
+'That is the right spirit, Nelly. Keep it up, and see how happy life
+will be with a brave heart, a willing hand, and plenty to do.'
+
+'No one objects to plenty of domestic work or fashionable pleasure, I
+find; but the minute we begin to study, people tell us we can't bear it,
+and warn us to be very careful. I've tried the other things, and got so
+tired I came to college; though my people predict nervous exhaustion and
+an early death. Do you think there is any danger?' asked a stately girl,
+with an anxious glance at the blooming face reflected in the mirror
+opposite.
+
+'Are you stronger or weaker than when you came two years ago, Miss
+Winthrop?'
+
+'Stronger in body, and much happier in mind. I think I was dying of
+ennui; but the doctors called it inherited delicacy of constitution.
+That is why mamma is so anxious, and I wish not to go too fast.'
+
+'Don't worry, my dear; that active brain of yours was starving for good
+food; it has plenty now, and plain living suits you better than luxury
+and dissipation. It is all nonsense about girls not being able to study
+as well as boys. Neither can bear cramming; but with proper care both
+are better for it; so enjoy the life your instinct led you to, and we
+will prove that wise headwork is a better cure for that sort of delicacy
+than tonics, and novels on the sofa, where far too many of our girls
+go to wreck nowadays. They burn the candle at both ends; and when they
+break down they blame the books, not the balls.'
+
+'Dr Nan was telling me about a patient of hers who thought she had
+heart-complaint, till Nan made her take off her corsets, stopped her
+coffee and dancing all night, and made her eat, sleep, walk, and live
+regularly for a time; and now she's a brilliant cure. Common sense
+versus custom, Nan said.'
+
+'I've had no headaches since I came here, and can do twice as much
+studying as I did at home. It's the air, I think, and the fun of going
+ahead of the boys,' said another girl, tapping her big forehead with
+her thimble, as if the lively brain inside was in good working order and
+enjoyed the daily gymnastics she gave it.
+
+'Quality, not quantity, wins the day, you know. Our brains may be
+smaller, but I don't see that they fall short of what is required of
+them; and if I'm not mistaken, the largest-headed man in our class is
+the dullest,' said Nelly, with a solemn air which produced a gale of
+merriment; for all knew that the young Goliath she mentioned had been
+metaphorically slain by this quick-witted David on many a battle-field,
+to the great disgust of himself and his mates.
+
+'Mrs Brooke, do I gauge on the right or the wrong side?' asked the
+best Greek scholar of her class, eyeing a black silk apron with a lost
+expression.
+
+'The right, Miss Pierson; and leave a space between the tucks; it looks
+prettier so.'
+
+'I'll never make another; but it will save my dresses from ink-stains,
+so I'm glad I've got it'; and the erudite Miss Pierson laboured on,
+finding it a harder task than any Greek root she ever dug up.
+
+'We paper-stainers must learn how to make shields, or we are lost.
+I'll give you a pattern of the pinafore I used to wear in my
+“blood-and-thunder days”, as we call them,' said Mrs Jo, trying to
+remember what became of the old tin-kitchen which used to hold her
+works.
+
+'Speaking of writers reminds me that my ambition is to be a George
+Eliot, and thrill the world! It must be so splendid to know that one
+has such power, and to hear people own that one possesses a “masculine
+intellect”! I don't care for most women's novels, but hers are immense;
+don't you think so, Mrs Bhaer?' asked the girl with the big forehead,
+and torn braid on her skirt.
+
+'Yes; but they don't thrill me as little Charlotte Bronte's books do.
+The brain is there, but the heart seems left out. I admire, but I don't
+love, George Eliot; and her life is far sadder to me than Miss Bronte's,
+because, in spite of the genius, love, and fame, she missed the light
+without which no soul is truly great, good, or happy.'
+
+'Yes'm, I know; but still it's so romantic and sort of new and
+mysterious, and she was great in one sense. Her nerves and dyspepsia do
+rather destroy the illusion; but I adore famous people and mean to go
+and see all I can scare up in London some day.'
+
+'You will find some of the best of them busy about just the work I
+recommend to you; and if you want to see a great lady, I'll tell you
+that Mrs Laurence means to bring one here today. Lady Abercrombie is
+lunching with her, and after seeing the college is to call on us. She
+especially wanted to see our sewing-school, as she is interested in
+things of this sort, and gets them up at home.'
+
+'Bless me! I always imagined lords and ladies did nothing but ride round
+in a coach and six, go to balls, and be presented to the Queen in cocked
+hats, and trains and feathers,' exclaimed an artless young person from
+the wilds of Maine, whither an illustrated paper occasionally wandered.
+
+'Not at all; Lord Abercrombie is over here studying up our American
+prison system, and my lady is busy with the schools--both very
+high-born, but the simplest and most sensible people I've met this long
+time. They are neither of them young nor handsome, and dress plainly;
+so don't expect anything splendid. Mr Laurence was telling me last night
+about a friend of his who met my lord in the hall, and owing to a rough
+greatcoat and a red face, mistook him for a coachman, and said: “Now,
+my man, what do you want here?” Lord Abercrombie mildly mentioned who
+he was, and that he had come to dinner. And the poor host was much
+afflicted, saying afterward: “Why didn't he wear his stars and garters?
+then a fellow would know he was a lord.”'
+
+The girls laughed again, and a general rustle betrayed that each was
+prinking a bit before the titled guest arrived. Even Mrs Jo settled her
+collar, and Mrs Meg felt if her cap was right, while Bess shook out
+her curls and Josie boldly consulted the glass; for they were women, in
+spite of philosophy and philanthropy.
+
+'Shall we all rise?' asked one girl, deeply impressed by the impending
+honour.
+
+'It would be courteous.'
+
+'Shall we shake hands?'
+
+'No, I'll present you en masse, and your pleasant faces will be
+introduction enough.'
+
+'I wish I'd worn my best dress. Ought to have told us,' whispered Sally.
+
+'Won't my folks be surprised when I tell them we have had a real lady to
+call on us?' said another.
+
+'Don't look as if you'd never seen a gentlewoman before, Milly. We are
+not all fresh from the wilderness,' added the stately damsel who, having
+Mayflower ancestors, felt that she was the equal of all the crowned
+heads of Europe.
+
+'Hush, she's coming! Oh, my heart, what a bonnet!' cried the gay girl in
+a stage whisper; and every eye was demurely fixed upon the busy hands as
+the door opened to admit Mrs Laurence and her guest.
+
+It was rather a shock to find, after the general introduction was over,
+that this daughter of a hundred earls was a stout lady in a plain gown,
+and a rather weather-beaten bonnet, with a bag of papers in one hand
+and a note-book in the other. But the face was full of benevolence, the
+sonorous voice very kind, the genial manners very winning, and about the
+whole person an indescribable air of high breeding which made beauty of
+no consequence, costume soon forgotten, and the moment memorable to the
+keen-eyed girls whom nothing escaped.
+
+A little chat about the rise, growth, and success of this particular
+class, and then Mrs Jo led the conversation to the English lady's
+work, anxious to show her pupils how rank dignifies labour, and charity
+blesses wealth.
+
+It was good for these girls to hear of the evening-schools supported and
+taught by women whom they knew and honoured; of Miss Cobbe's eloquent
+protest winning the protection of the law for abused wives; Mrs Butler
+saving the lost; Mrs Taylor, who devoted one room in her historic house
+to a library for the servants; Lord Shaftesbury, busy with his new
+tenement-houses in the slums of London; of prison reforms; and all the
+brave work being done in God's name by the rich and great for the humble
+and the poor. It impressed them more than many quiet home lectures would
+have done, and roused an ambition to help when their time should come,
+well knowing that even in glorious America there is still plenty to be
+done before she is what she should be--truly just, and free, and great.
+They were also quick to see that Lady Abercrombie treated all there as
+her equals, from stately Mrs Laurence, to little Josie, taking notes
+of everything and privately resolving to have some thick-soled English
+boots as soon as possible. No one would have guessed that she had a
+big house in London, a castle in Wales, and a grand country seat in
+Scotland, as she spoke of Parnassus with admiration, Plumfield as a
+'dear old home', and the college as an honour to all concerned in it.
+At that, of course, every head went up a little, and when my lady left,
+every hand was ready for the hearty shake the noble Englishwoman gave
+them, with words they long remembered:
+
+'I am very pleased to see this much-neglected branch of a woman's
+education so well conducted here, and I have to thank my friend
+Mrs Laurence for one of the most charming pictures I've seen in
+America--Penelope among her maids.'
+
+A group of smiling faces watched the stout boots trudge away, respectful
+glances followed the shabby bonnet till it was out of sight, and the
+girls felt a truer respect for their titled guest than if she had come
+in the coach and six, with all her diamonds on.
+
+'I feel better about the “odd jobs” now. I only wish I could do them as
+well as Lady Abercrombie does,' said one.
+
+'I thanked my stars my buttonholes were nice, for she looked at them and
+said: “Quite workmanlike, upon my word,” added another, feeling that her
+gingham gown had come to honour.
+
+'Her manners were as sweet and kind as Mrs Brooke's. Not a bit stiff or
+condescending, as I expected. I see now what you meant, Mrs Bhaer, when
+you said once that well-bred people were the same all the world over.'
+
+Mrs Meg bowed her thanks for the compliment, and Mrs Bhaer said:
+
+'I know them when I see them, but never shall be a model of deportment
+myself. I'm glad you enjoyed the little visit. Now, if you young people
+don't want England to get ahead of us in many ways, you must bestir
+yourselves and keep abreast; for our sisters are in earnest, you see,
+and don't waste time worrying about their sphere, but make it wherever
+duty calls them.'
+
+'We will do our best, ma'am,' answered the girls heartily, and trooped
+away with their work-baskets, feeling that though they might never be
+Harriet Martineaus, Elizabeth Brownings, or George Eliots, they might
+become noble, useful, and independent women, and earn for themselves
+some sweet title from the grateful lips of the poor, better than any a
+queen could bestow.
+
+
+
+Chapter 18. CLASS DAY
+
+The clerk of the weather evidently has a regard for young people, and
+sends sunshine for class days as often as he can. An especially lovely
+one shone over Plumfield as this interesting anniversary came round,
+bringing the usual accompaniments of roses, strawberries, white-gowned
+girls, beaming youths, proud friends, and stately dignitaries full of
+well-earned satisfaction with the yearly harvest. As Laurence College
+was a mixed one, the presence of young women as students gave to the
+occasion a grace and animation entirely wanting where the picturesque
+half of creation appear merely as spectators. The hands that turned the
+pages of wise books also possessed the skill to decorate the hall with
+flowers; eyes tired with study shone with hospitable warmth on the
+assembling guests; and under the white muslins beat hearts as full of
+ambition, hope, and courage as those agitating the broadcloth of the
+ruling sex.
+
+College Hill, Parnassus, and old Plum swarmed with cheery faces, as
+guests, students, and professors hurried to and fro in the pleasant
+excitement of arriving and receiving. Everyone was welcomed cordially,
+whether he rolled up in a fine carriage, or trudged afoot to see the
+good son or daughter come to honour on the happy day that rewarded
+many a mutual sacrifice. Mr Laurie and his wife were on the reception
+committee, and their lovely house was overflowing. Mrs Meg, with Daisy
+and Jo as aides, was in demand among the girls, helping on belated
+toilettes, giving an eye to spreads, and directing the decorations. Mrs
+Jo had her hands full as President's lady, and the mother of Ted; for it
+took all the power and skill of that energetic woman to get her son into
+his Sunday best.
+
+Not that he objected to be well arrayed; far from it; he adored good
+clothes, and owing to his great height already revelled in a dress-suit,
+bequeathed him by a dandy friend. The effect was very funny; but he
+would wear it in spite of the jeers of his mates, and sighed vainly for
+a beaver, because his stern parent drew the line there. He pleaded that
+English lads of ten wore them and were 'no end nobby'; but his mother
+only answered, with a consoling pat of the yellow mane:
+
+'My child, you are absurd enough now; if I let you add a tall hat,
+Plumfield wouldn't hold either of us, such would be the scorn and
+derision of all beholders. Content yourself with looking like the ghost
+of a waiter, and don't ask for the most ridiculous head-gear in the
+known world.'
+
+Denied this noble badge of manhood, Ted soothed his wounded soul by
+appearing in collars of an amazing height and stiffness, and ties which
+were the wonder of all female eyes. This freak was a sort of vengeance
+on his hard-hearted mother; for the collars drove the laundress to
+despair, never being just right, and the ties required such art in
+the tying that three women sometimes laboured long before--like Beau
+Brummel--he turned from a heap of 'failures' with the welcome words:
+'That will do.' Rob was devoted on these trying occasions, his own
+toilet being distinguished only by its speed, simplicity, and neatness.
+Ted was usually in a frenzy before he was suited, and roars, whistles,
+commands, and groans were heard from the den wherein the Lion raged and
+the Lamb patiently toiled. Mrs Jo bore it till boots were hurled and a
+rain of hair-brushes set in, then, fearing for the safety of her eldest,
+she would go to the rescue, and by a wise mixture of fun and authority
+finally succeed in persuading Ted that he was 'a thing of beauty',
+if not 'a joy for ever'. At last he would stalk majestically forth,
+imprisoned in collars compared to which those worn by Dickens's
+afflicted Biler were trifles not worth mentioning. The dresscoat was
+a little loose in the shoulders, but allowed a noble expanse of glossy
+bosom to be seen, and with a delicate handkerchief negligently drooping
+at the proper angle, had a truly fine effect. Boots that shone,
+and likewise pinched, appeared at one end of the 'long, black
+clothes-pin'--as Josie called him---and a youthful but solemn face at
+the other, carried at an angle which, if long continued, would have
+resulted in spinal curvature. Light gloves, a cane, and--oh, bitter drop
+in the cup of joy!--an ignominious straw hat, not to mention a choice
+floweret in the buttonhole, and a festoon of watchguard below, finished
+off this impressive boy.
+
+'How's that for style?' he asked, appearing to his mother and cousins
+whom he was to escort to the hall on this particular occasion.
+
+A shout of laughter greeted him, followed by exclamations of horror;
+for he had artfully added the little blond moustache he often wore when
+acting. It was very becoming, and seemed the only balm to heal the wound
+made by the loss of the beloved hat.
+
+'Take it off this moment, you audacious boy! What would your father say
+to such a prank on this day when we must all behave our best?' said Mrs
+Jo, trying to frown, but privately thinking that among the many youths
+about her none were so beautiful and original as her long son.
+
+'Let him wear it, Aunty; it's so becoming. No one will ever guess he
+isn't eighteen at least,' cried Josie, to whom disguise of any sort was
+always charming.
+
+'Father won't observe it; he'll be absorbed in his big-wigs and the
+girls. No matter if he does, he'll enjoy the joke and introduce me as
+his oldest son. Rob is nowhere when I'm in full fig'; and Ted took the
+stage with a tragic stalk, like Hamlet in a tail-coat and choker.
+
+'My son, obey me!' and when Mrs Jo spoke in that tone her word was
+law. Later, however, the moustache appeared, and many strangers firmly
+believed that there were three young Bhaers. So Ted found one ray of joy
+to light his gloom.
+
+Mr Bhaer was a proud and happy man when, at the appointed hour, he
+looked down upon the parterre of youthful faces before him, thinking of
+the 'little gardens' in which he had hopefully and faithfully sowed good
+seed years ago, and from which this beautiful harvest seemed to have
+sprung. Mr March's fine old face shone with the serenest satisfaction,
+for this was the dream of his life fulfilled after patient waiting; and
+the love and reverence in the countenances of the eager young men and
+women looking up at him plainly showed that the reward he coveted was
+his in fullest measure. Laurie always effaced himself on these occasions
+as much as courtesy would permit; for everyone spoke gratefully in ode,
+poem, and oration of the founder of the college and noble dispenser of
+his beneficence. The three sisters beamed with pride as they sat among
+the ladies, enjoying, as only women can, the honour done the men
+they loved; while 'the original Plums', as the younger ones called
+themselves, regarded the whole affair as their work, receiving the
+curious, admiring, or envious glances of strangers with a mixture of
+dignity and delight rather comical to behold.
+
+The music was excellent, and well it might be when Apollo waved the
+baton. The poems were--as usual on such occasions--of varied excellence,
+as the youthful speakers tried to put old truths into new words, and
+made them forceful by the enthusiasm of their earnest faces and fresh
+voices. It was beautiful to see the eager interest with which the girls
+listened to some brilliant brother-student, and applauded him with a
+rustle as of wind over a bed of flowers. It was still more significant
+and pleasant to watch the young men's faces when a slender white figure
+stood out against the background of black-coated dignitaries, and with
+cheeks that flushed and paled, and lips that trembled till earnest
+purpose conquered maiden fear, spoke to them straight out of a woman's
+heart and brain concerning the hopes and doubts, the aspirations and
+rewards all must know, desire, and labour for. This clear, sweet voice
+seemed to reach and rouse all that was noblest in the souls of these
+youths, and to set a seal upon the years of comradeship which made them
+sacred and memorable for ever.
+
+Alice Heath's oration was unanimously pronounced the success of the day;
+for without being flowery or sentimental, as is too apt to be the case
+with these first efforts of youthful orators, it was earnest, sensible,
+and so inspiring that she left the stage in a storm of applause, the
+good fellows being as much fired by her stirring appeal to 'march
+shoulder to shoulder', as if she had chanted the 'Marseillaise' then
+and there. One young man was so excited that he nearly rushed out of his
+seat to receive her as she hastened to hide herself among her mates, who
+welcomed her with faces full of tender pride and tearful eye. A prudent
+sister detained him, however, and in a moment he was able to listen with
+composure to the President's remarks.
+
+They were worth listening to, for Mr Bhaer spoke like a father to the
+children whom he was dismissing to the battle of life; and his tender,
+wise, and helpful words lingered in their hearts long after the praise
+was forgotten. Then came other exercises peculiar to Plumfield, and the
+end. Why the roof did not fly off when the sturdy lungs of the excited
+young men pealed out the closing hymn will for ever be a mystery; but
+it remained firm, and only the fading garlands vibrated as the waves of
+music rolled up and died away, leaving sweet echoes to haunt the place
+for another year.
+
+Dinners and spreads consumed the afternoon, and at sunset came a slight
+lull as everyone sought some brief repose before the festivities of the
+evening began. The President's reception was one of the enjoyable things
+in store, also dancing on Parnassus, and as much strolling, singing, and
+flirting, as could be compressed into a few hours by youths and maidens
+just out of school.
+
+Carriages were rolling about, and gay groups on piazzas, lawns, and
+window-seats idly speculated as to who the distinguished guests might
+be. The appearance of a very dusty vehicle loaded with trunks at Mr
+Bhaer's hospitably open door caused much curious comment among the
+loungers, especially as two rather foreign-looking gentlemen sprang out,
+followed by two young ladies, all four being greeted with cries of joy
+and much embracing by the Bhaers. Then they all disappeared into the
+house, the luggage followed, and the watchers were left to wonder who
+the mysterious strangers were, till a fair collegian declared that they
+must be the Professor's nephews, one of whom was expected on his wedding
+journey.
+
+She was right; Franz proudly presented his blonde and buxom bride, and
+she was hardly kissed and blessed when Emil led up his bonny English
+Mary, with the rapturous announcement:
+
+'Uncle, Aunt Jo, here's another daughter! Have you room for my wife,
+too?'
+
+There could be no doubt of that; and Mary was with difficulty rescued
+from the glad embraces of her new relatives, who, remembering all the
+young pair had suffered together, felt that this was the natural and
+happy ending of the long voyage so perilously begun.
+
+'But why not tell us, and let us be ready for two brides instead of
+one?' asked Mrs Jo, looking as usual rather demoralizing in a wrapper
+and crimping-pins, having rushed down from her chamber, where she was
+preparing for the labours of the evening.
+
+'Well, I remembered what a good joke you all considered Uncle Laurie's
+marriage, and I thought I'd give you another nice little surprise,'
+laughed Emil. 'I'm off duty, and it seemed best to take advantage of
+wind and tide, and come along as convoy to the old boy here. We hoped to
+get in last night, but couldn't fetch it, so here we are in time for the
+end of the jollification, anyway.'
+
+'Ah, my sons, it is too feeling-full to see you both so happy and again
+in the old home. I haf no words to outpour my gratitude, and can
+only ask of the dear Gott in Himmel to bless and keep you all,' cried
+Professor Bhaer, trying to gather all four into his arms at once, while
+tears rolled down his cheeks, and his English failed him.
+
+An April shower cleared the air and relieved the full hearts of the
+happy family; then of course everyone began to talk--Franz and Ludmilla
+in German with uncle, Emil and Mary with the aunts; and round this group
+gathered the young folk, clamouring to hear all about the wreck, and the
+rescue, and the homeward voyage. It was a very different story from the
+written one; and as they listened to Emil's graphic words, with Mary's
+soft voice breaking in now and then to add some fact that brought out
+the courage, patience, and self-sacrifice he so lightly touched upon, it
+became a solemn and pathetic thing to see and hear these happy creatures
+tell of that great danger and deliverance.
+
+'I never hear the patter of rain now that I don't want to say my
+prayers; and as for women, I'd like to take my hat off to every one of
+'em, for they are braver than any man I ever saw,' said Emil, with the
+new gravity that was as becoming to him as the new gentleness with which
+he treated everyone.
+
+'If women are brave, some men are as tender and self-sacrificing as
+women. I know one who in the night slipped his share of food into a
+girl's pocket, though starving himself, and sat for hours rocking a sick
+man in his arms that he might get a little sleep. No, love, I will tell,
+and you must let me!' cried Mary, holding in both her own the hand he
+laid on her lips to silence her.
+
+'Only did my duty. If that torment had lasted much longer I might
+have been as bad as poor Barry and the boatswain. Wasn't that an awful
+night?' And Emil shuddered as he recalled it.
+
+'Don't think of it, dear. Tell about the happy days on the Urania, when
+papa grew better and we were all safe and homeward bound,' said Mary,
+with the trusting look and comforting touch which seemed to banish the
+dark and recall the bright side of that terrible experience.
+
+Emil cheered up at once, and sitting with his arm about his 'dear lass',
+in true sailor fashion told the happy ending of the tale.
+
+'Such a jolly old time as we had at Hamburg! Uncle Hermann couldn't do
+enough for the captain, and while mamma took care of him, Mary looked
+after me. I had to go into dock for repairs; fire hurt my eyes, and
+watching for a sail and want of sleep made 'em as hazy as a London fog.
+She was pilot and brought me in all right, you see, only I couldn't part
+company, so she came aboard as first mate, and I'm bound straight for
+glory now.'
+
+'Hush! that's silly, dear,' whispered Mary, trying in her turn to stop
+him, with English shyness about tender topics. But he took the soft hand
+in his, and proudly surveying the one ring it wore, went on with the air
+of an admiral aboard his flagship.
+
+'The captain proposed waiting a spell; but I told him we weren't like
+to see any rougher weather than we'd pulled through together, and if we
+didn't know one another after such a year as this, we never should. I
+was sure I shouldn't be worth my pay without this hand on the wheel; so
+I had my way, and my brave little woman has shipped for the long voyage.
+God bless her!'
+
+'Shall you really sail with him?' asked Daisy, admiring her courage, but
+shrinking with cat-like horror from the water.
+
+'I'm not afraid,' answered Mary, with a loyal smile. 'I've proved my
+captain in fair weather and in foul, and if he is ever wrecked again,
+I'd rather be with him than waiting and watching ashore.'
+
+'A true woman, and a born sailor's wife! You are a happy man, Emil, and
+I'm sure this trip will be a prosperous one,' cried Mrs Jo, delighted
+with the briny flavour of this courtship. 'Oh, my dear boy, I always
+felt you'd come back, and when everyone else despaired I never gave up,
+but insisted that you were clinging to the main-top jib somewhere on
+that dreadful sea'; and Mrs Jo illustrated her faith by grasping Emil
+with a truly Pillycoddian gesture.
+
+'Of course I was!' answered Emil heartily; 'and my “main-top jib” in
+this case was the thought of what you and Uncle said to me. That kept
+me up; and among the million thoughts that came to me during those
+long nights none was clearer than the idea of the red strand, you
+remember--English navy, and all that. I liked the notion, and resolved
+that if a bit of my cable was left afloat, the red stripe should be
+there.'
+
+'And it was, my dear, it was! Captain Hardy testifies to that, and here
+is your reward'; and Mrs Jo kissed Mary with a maternal tenderness
+which betrayed that she liked the English rose better than the blue-eyed
+German Kornblumen, sweet and modest though it was.
+
+Emil surveyed the little ceremony with complacency, saying, as he looked
+about the room which he never thought to see again: 'Odd, isn't it,
+how clearly trifles come back to one in times of danger? As we floated
+there, half-starved, and in despair, I used to think I heard the bells
+ringing here, and Ted tramping downstairs, and you calling, “Boys, boys,
+it's time to get up!” I actually smelt the coffee we used to have,
+and one night I nearly cried when I woke from a dream of Asia's ginger
+cookies. I declare, it was one of the bitterest disappointments of my
+life to face hunger with that spicy smell in my nostrils. If you've got
+any, do give me one!'
+
+A pitiful murmur broke from all the aunts and cousins, and Emil was at
+once borne away to feast on the desired cookies, a supply always being
+on hand. Mrs Jo and her sister joined the other group, glad to hear what
+Franz was saying about Nat.
+
+'The minute I saw how thin and shabby he was, I knew that something was
+wrong; but he made light of it, and was so happy over our visit and
+news that I let him off with a brief confession, and went to Professor
+Baumgarten and Bergmann. From them I learned the whole story of
+his spending more money than he ought and trying to atone for it by
+unnecessary work and sacrifice. Baumgarten thought it would do him good,
+so kept his secret till I came. It did him good, and he's paid his debts
+and earned his bread by the sweat of his brow, like an honest fellow.'
+
+'I like that much in Nat. It is, as I said, a lesson, and he learns
+it well. He proves himself a man, and has deserved the place Bergmann
+offers him,' said Mr Bhaer, looking well pleased as Franz added some
+facts already recorded.
+
+'I told you, Meg, that he had good stuff in him, and love for Daisy
+would keep him straight. Dear lad, I wish I had him here this moment!'
+cried Mrs Jo, forgetting in delight the doubts and anxieties which had
+troubled her for months past.
+
+'I am very glad, and suppose I shall give in as I always do, especially
+now that the epidemic rages so among us. You and Emil have set all their
+heads in a ferment, and Josie will be demanding a lover before I can
+turn round,' answered Mrs Meg, in a tone of despair.
+
+But her sister saw that she was touched by Nat's trials, and hastened
+to add the triumphs, that the victory might be complete, for success is
+always charming.
+
+'This offer of Herr Bergmann is a good one, isn't it?' she asked, though
+Mr Laurie had already satisfied her on that point when Nat's letter
+brought the news.
+
+'Very fine in every way. Nat will get capital drill in Bachmeister's
+orchestra, see London in a delightful way, and if he suits come home
+with them, well started among the violins. No great honour, but a sure
+thing and a step up. I congratulated him, and he was very jolly over it,
+saying, like the true lover he is: “Tell Daisy; be sure and tell her all
+about it.” I'll leave that to you, Aunt Meg, and you can also break it
+gently to her that the old boy had a fine blond beard. Very becoming;
+hides his weak mouth, and gives a noble air to his big eyes and
+“Mendelssohnian brow”, as a gushing girl called it. Ludmilla has a photo
+of it for you.'
+
+This amused them; and they listened to many other interesting bits of
+news which kind Franz, even in his own happiness, had not forgotten to
+remember for his friend's sake. He talked so well, and painted Nat's
+patient and pathetic shifts so vividly, that Mrs Meg was half won;
+though if she had learned of the Minna episode and the fiddling in
+beer-gardens and streets, she might not have relented so soon. She
+stored up all she heard, however, and, womanlike, promised herself a
+delicious talk with Daisy, in which she would allow herself to melt by
+degrees, and perhaps change the doubtful 'We shall see' to a cordial 'He
+has done well; be happy, dear'.
+
+In the midst of this agreeable chat the sudden striking of a clock
+recalled Mrs Jo from romance to reality, and she exclaimed, with a
+clutch at her crimping-pins:
+
+'My blessed people, you must eat and rest; and I must dress, or receive
+in this disgraceful rig. Meg, will you take Ludmilla and Mary upstairs
+and see to them? Franz knows the way to the dining-room. Fritz, come
+with me and be made tidy, for what with heat and emotion, we are both
+perfect wrecks.'
+
+
+
+Chapter 19. WHITE ROSES
+
+While the travellers refreshed, and Mrs President struggled into her
+best gown, Josie ran into the garden to gather flowers for the brides.
+The sudden arrival of these interesting beings had quite enchanted
+the romantic girl, and her head was full of heroic rescues, tender
+admiration, dramatic situations, and feminine wonder as to whether the
+lovely creatures would wear their veils or not. She was standing before
+a great bush of white roses, culling the most perfect for the bouquets
+which she meant to tie with the ribbon festooned over her arm, and lay
+on the toilette tables of the new cousins, as a delicate attention. A
+step startled her, and looking up she saw her brother coming down the
+path with folded arms, bent head, and the absent air of one absorbed in
+deep thought.
+
+'Sophy Wackles,' said the sharp child, with a superior smile, as
+she sucked her thumb just pricked by a too eager pull at the thorny
+branches.
+
+'What are you at here, Mischief?' asked Demi, with an Irvingesque start,
+as he felt rather than saw a disturbing influence in his day-dream.
+
+'Getting flowers for “our brides”. Don't you wish you had one?' answered
+Josie, to whom the word 'mischief' suggested her favourite amusement.
+
+'A bride or a flower?' asked Demi calmly, though he eyed the blooming
+bush as if it had a sudden and unusual interest for him.
+
+'Both; you get the one, and I'll give you the other.'
+
+'Wish I could!' and Demi picked a little bud, with a sigh that went to
+Josie's warm heart.
+
+'Why don't you, then? It's lovely to see people so happy. Now's a good
+time to do it if you ever mean to. She will be going away for ever
+soon.'
+
+'Who?' and Demi pulled a half-opened bud, with a sudden colour in his
+own face; which sign of confusion delighted little Jo.
+
+'Don't be a hypocrite. You know I mean Alice. Now, Jack, I'm fond
+of you, and want to help; it's so interesting--all these lovers and
+weddings and things, and we ought to have our share. So you take my
+advice and speak up like a man, and make sure of Alice before she goes.'
+
+Demi laughed at the seriousness of the small girl's advice; but he liked
+it, and showed that it suited him by saying blandly, instead of snubbing
+her as usual:
+
+'You are very kind, child. Since you are so wise, could you give me a
+hint how I'd better 'speak up', as you elegantly express it?'
+
+'Oh, well, there are various ways, you know. In plays the lovers go down
+on their knees; but that's awkward when they have long legs. Ted never
+does it well, though I drill him for hours. You could say, “Be mine,
+be mine!” like the old man who threw cucumbers over the wall to Mrs
+Nickleby, if you want to be gay and easy; or you could write a poetical
+pop. You've tried it, I dare say.'
+
+'But seriously, Jo, I do love Alice, and I think she knows it. I want
+to tell her so; but I lose my head when I try, and don't care to make a
+fool of myself. Thought you might suggest some pretty way; you read so
+much poetry and are so romantic.'
+
+Demi tried to express himself clearly, but forgot his dignity and his
+usual reserve in the sweet perplexity of his love, and asked his little
+sister to teach him how to put the question which a single word can
+answer. The arrival of his happy cousins had scattered all his wise
+plans and brave resolutions to wait still longer. The Christmas play
+had given him courage to hope, and the oration today had filled him with
+tender pride; but the sight of those blooming brides and beaming grooms
+was too much for him, and he panted to secure his Alice without an
+hour's delay. Daisy was his confidante in all things but this; a
+brotherly feeling of sympathy had kept him from telling her his hopes,
+because her own were forbidden. His mother was rather jealous of any
+girl he admired; but knowing that she liked Alice, he loved on and
+enjoyed his secret alone, meaning soon to tell her all about it.
+
+Now suddenly Josie and the rose-bush seemed to suggest a speedy end
+to his tender perplexities; and he was moved to accept her aid as the
+netted lion did that of the mouse.
+
+'I think I'll write,' he was slowly beginning, after a pause during
+which both were trying to strike out a new and brilliant idea.
+
+'I've got it! perfectly lovely! just suit her, and you too, being a
+poet!' cried Josie, with a skip.
+
+'What is it? Don't be ridiculous, please,' begged the bashful lover,
+eager, but afraid of this sharp-tongued bit of womanhood.
+
+'I read in one of Miss Edgeworth's stories about a man who offers three
+roses to his lady--a bud, a half-blown, and a full-blown rose. I don't
+remember which she took; but it's a pretty way; and Alice knows about
+it because she was there when we read it. Here are all kinds; you've got
+the two buds, pick the sweetest rose you can find, and I'll tie them up
+and put them in her room. She is coming to dress with Daisy, so I can do
+it nicely.'
+
+Demi mused a moment with his eyes on the bridal bush, and a smile came
+over his face so unlike any it had ever worn before, that Josie was
+touched, and looked away as if she had no right to see the dawn of the
+great passion which, while it lasts, makes a young man as happy as a
+god.
+
+'Do it,' was all he said, and gathered a full-blown rose to finish his
+floral love-message.
+
+Charmed to have a finger in this romantic pie, Josie tied a graceful
+bow of ribbon about the stems, and finished her last nosegay with much
+content, while Demi wrote upon a card:
+
+DEAR ALICE, You know what the flowers mean. Will you wear one, or all
+tonight, and make me still prouder, fonder, and happier than I am?
+
+Yours entirely,
+
+JOHN
+
+
+Offering this to his sister, he said in a tone that made her feel the
+deep importance of her mission:
+
+'I trust you, Jo. This means everything to me. No jokes, dear, if you
+love me.'
+
+Josie's answer was a kiss that promised all things; and then she ran
+away to do her 'gentle spiriting', like Ariel, leaving Demi to dream
+among the roses like Ferdinand.
+
+Mary and Ludmilla were charmed with their bouquets; and the giver had
+the delight of putting some of the flowers into the dark hair and
+the light as she played maid at the toilettes of 'our brides', which
+consoled her for a disappointment in the matter of veils.
+
+No one helped Alice dress; for Daisy was in the next room with her
+mother; and not even their loving eyes saw the welcome which the little
+posy received, nor the tears and smiles and blushes that came and went
+as she read the note and pondered what answer she should give. There was
+no doubt about the one she wished to give; but duty held her back; for
+at home there was an invalid mother and an old father. She was needed
+there, with all the help she could now bring by the acquirements four
+years of faithful study had given her. Love looked very sweet, and a
+home of her own with John a little heaven on earth; but not yet. And
+she slowly laid away the full-blown rose as she sat before the mirror,
+thinking over the great question of her life.
+
+Was it wise and kind to ask him to wait, to bind him by any promise,
+or even to put into words the love and honour she felt for him? No; it
+would be more generous to make the sacrifice alone, and spare him the
+pain of hope deferred. He was young; he would forget; and she would do
+her duty better, perhaps, if no impatient lover waited for her. With
+eyes that saw but dimly, and a hand that lingered on the stem he had
+stripped of thorns, she laid the half-blown flower by the rose, and
+asked herself if even the little bud might be worn. It looked very poor
+and pale beside the others; yet being in the self-sacrificing mood which
+real love brings, she felt that even a small hope was too much to give,
+if she could not follow it up with more.
+
+As she sat looking sadly down on the symbols of an affection that grew
+dearer every moment, she listened half unconsciously to the murmur of
+voices in the adjoining room. Open windows, thin partitions, and the
+stillness of summer twilight made it impossible to help hearing, and in
+a few moments more she could not refrain; for they were talking of John.
+
+'So nice of Ludmilla to bring us all bottles of real German cologne!
+Just what we need after this tiring day! Be sure John has his! He likes
+it so!'
+
+'Yes, mother. Did you see him jump up when Alice ended her oration?
+He'd have gone to her if I hadn't held him back. I don't wonder he was
+pleased and proud. I spoilt my gloves clapping, and quite forgot my
+dislike of seeing women on platforms, she was so earnest and unconscious
+and sweet after the first moment.'
+
+'Has he said anything to you, dear?'
+
+'No; and I guess why. The kind boy thinks it would make me unhappy. It
+wouldn't. But I know his ways; so I wait, and hope all will go well with
+him.'
+
+'It must. No girl in her senses would refuse our John, though he isn't
+rich, and never will be. Daisy, I've been longing to tell you what he
+did with his money. He told me last night, and I've had no time since to
+tell you. He sent poor young Barton to the hospital, and kept him there
+till his eyes were saved--a costly thing to do. But the man can work now
+and care for his old parents. He was in despair, sick and poor, and too
+proud to beg; and our dear boy found it out, and took every penny he
+had, and never told even his mother till she made him.'
+
+Alice did not hear what Daisy answered, for she was busy with her own
+emotions--happy ones now, to judge from the smile that shone in her eyes
+and the decided gesture with which she put the little bud in her bosom,
+as if she said: 'He deserves some reward for that good deed, and he
+shall have it.'
+
+Mrs Meg was speaking, and still of John, when she could hear again:
+
+'Some people would call it unwise and reckless, when John has so little;
+but I think his first investment a safe and good one, for “he who giveth
+to the poor lendeth to the Lord”; and I was so pleased and proud, I
+wouldn't spoil it by offering him a penny.'
+
+'It is his having nothing to offer that keeps him silent, I think. He
+is so honest, he won't ask till he has much to give. But he forgets that
+love is everything. I know he's rich in that; I see and feel it; and any
+woman should be glad to get it.'
+
+'Right, dear. I felt just so, and was willing to work and wait with and
+for my John.'
+
+'So she will be, and I hope they will find it out. But she is so dutiful
+and good, I'm afraid she won't let herself be happy. You would like it,
+mother?'
+
+'Heartily; for a better, nobler girl doesn't live. She is all I want for
+my son; and I don't mean to lose the dear, brave creature if I can help
+it. Her heart is big enough for both love and duty; and they can wait
+more happily if they do it together--for wait they must, of course.'
+
+'I'm so glad his choice suits you, mother, and he is spared the saddest
+sort of disappointment.'
+
+Daisy's voice broke there; and a sudden rustle, followed by a soft
+murmur, seemed to tell that she was in her mother's arms, seeking and
+finding comfort there.
+
+Alice heard no more, and shut her window with a guilty feeling but a
+shining face; for the proverb about listeners failed here, and she had
+learned more than she dared to hope. Things seemed to change suddenly;
+she felt that her heart was large enough for both love and duty; she
+knew now that she would be welcomed by mother and sister; and the memory
+of Daisy's less happy fate, Nat's weary probation, the long delay,
+and possible separation for ever--all came before her so vividly that
+prudence seemed cruelty; self-sacrifice, sentimental folly; and anything
+but the whole truth, disloyalty to her lover. As she thought thus,
+the half-blown rose went to join the bud; and then, after a pause, she
+slowly kissed the perfect rose, and added it to the tell-tale group,
+saying to herself with a sort of sweet solemnity, as if the words were a
+vow:
+
+'I'll love and work and wait with and for my John.'
+
+It was well for her that Demi was absent when she stole down to join the
+guests who soon began to flow through the house in a steady stream.
+The new brightness which touched her usually thoughtful face was easily
+explained by the congratulations she received as orator, and the slight
+agitation observable, when a fresh batch of gentlemen approached soon
+passed, as none of them noticed the flowers she wore over a very happy
+heart. Demi meantime was escorting certain venerable personages about
+the college, and helping his grandfather entertain them with discussion
+of the Socratic method of instruction, Pythagoras, Pestalozzi, Froebel,
+and the rest, whom he devoutly wished at the bottom of the Red Sea, and
+no wonder, for his head and his heart were full of love and roses, hopes
+and fears. He piloted the 'potent, grave, and reverend seigniors' safely
+down to Plumfield at last, and landed them before his uncle and aunt
+Bhaer, who were receiving in state, the one full of genuine delight in
+all men and things, the other suffering martyrdom with a smile, as she
+stood shaking hand after hand, and affecting utter unconsciousness of
+the sad fact that ponderous Professor Plock had camped upon the train of
+her state and festival velvet gown.
+
+With a long sigh of relief Demi glanced about him for the beloved girl.
+Most persons would have looked some time before any particular angel
+could be discovered among the white-robed throng in parlours, hall,
+and study; but his eye went--like the needle to the pole--to the corner
+where a smooth dark head, with its braided crown, rose like a queen's,
+he thought, above the crowd which surrounded her. Yes, she has a flower
+at her throat; one, two, oh, blessed sight! he saw it all across the
+room, and gave a rapturous sigh which caused Miss Perry's frizzled crop
+to wave with a sudden gust. He did not see the rose, for it was
+hidden by a fold of lace; and it was well, perhaps, that bliss came by
+instalments, or he might have electrified the assembled multitude by
+flying to his idol, there being no Daisy to clutch him by the coat-tail.
+A stout lady, thirsting for information, seized him at that thrilling
+moment, and he was forced to point out celebrities with a saintly
+patience which deserved a better reward than it received; for a certain
+absence of mind and incoherence of speech at times caused the ungrateful
+dowager to whisper to the first friend she met after he had escaped:
+
+'I saw no wine at any of the spreads; but it is plain that young Brooke
+has had too much. Quite gentlemanly, but evidently a trifle intoxicated,
+my dear.'
+
+Ah, so he was! but with a diviner wine than any that ever sparkled at a
+class-day lunch, though many collegians know the taste of it; and when
+the old lady was disposed of, he gladly turned to find the young one,
+bent on having a single word. He saw her standing by the piano now,
+idly turning over music as she talked with several gentlemen. Hiding his
+impatience under an air of scholastic repose, Demi hovered near, ready
+to advance when the happy moment came, wondering meantime why elderly
+persons persisted in absorbing young ones instead of sensibly sitting
+in corners with their contemporaries. The elderly persons in question
+retired at length, but only to be replaced by two impetuous youths who
+begged Miss Heath to accompany them to Parnassus and join the dance.
+Demi thirsted for their blood, but was appeased by hearing George and
+Dolly say, as they lingered a moment after her refusal:
+
+'Really, you know, I'm quite converted to co-education and almost wish
+I'd remained here. It gives a grace to study, a sort of relish even to
+Greek to see charming girls at it,' said Stuffy, who found the feast
+of learning so dry, any sauce was welcome; and he felt as if he had
+discovered a new one.
+
+'Yes, by Jove! we fellows will have to look out or you'll carry off all
+the honours. You were superb today, and held us all like magic, though
+it was so hot there, I really think I couldn't have stood it for anyone
+else,' added Dolly, labouring to be gallant and really offering a
+touching proof of devotion; for the heat melted his collar, took the
+curl out of his hair, and ruined his gloves.
+
+'There is room for all; and if you will leave us the books, we will
+cheerfully yield the baseball, boating, dancing, and flirting, which
+seem to be the branches you prefer,' answered Alice sweetly.
+
+'Ah, now you are too hard upon us! We can't grind all the time and you
+ladies don't seem to mind taking a turn at the two latter “branches” you
+mention,' returned Dolly, with a glance at George which plainly said, 'I
+had her there.'
+
+'Some of us do in our first years. Later we give up childish things, you
+see. Don't let me keep you from Parnassus'; and a smiling nod dismissed
+them, smarting under the bitter consciousness of youth.
+
+'You got it there, Doll. Better not try to fence with these superior
+girls. Sure to be routed, horse, foot, and dragoons,' said Stuffy,
+lumbering away, somewhat cross with too many spreads.
+
+'So deuced sarcastic! Don't believe she's much older than we are.
+Girls grow up quicker, so she needn't put on airs and talk like a
+grandmother,' muttered Dolly, feeling that he had sacrificed his kids
+upon the altar of an ungrateful Pallas.
+
+'Come along and let's find something to eat. I'm faint with so much
+talking. Old Plock cornered me and made my head spin with Kant and Hegel
+and that lot.'
+
+'I promised Dora West I'd give her a turn. Must look her up; she's a
+jolly little thing, and doesn't bother about anything but keeping in
+step.'
+
+And arm in arm the boys strolled away, leaving Alice to read music as
+diligently as if society had indeed no charms for her. As she bent to
+turn a page, the eager young man behind the piano saw the rose and was
+struck speechless with delight. A moment he gazed, then hastened to
+seize the coveted place before a new detachment of bores arrived.
+
+'Alice, I can't believe it--did you understand--how shall I ever thank
+you?' murmured Demi, bending as if he, too, read the song, not a note or
+word of which did he see, however.
+
+'Hush! not now. I understood--I don't deserve it--we are too young, we
+must wait, but--I'm very proud and happy, John!'
+
+What would have happened after that tender whisper I tremble to think,
+if Tom Bangs had not come bustling up, with the cheerful remark:
+
+'Music? just the thing. People are thinning out, and we all want a
+little refreshment. My brain fairly reels with the 'ologies and 'isms
+I've heard discussed tonight. Yes, give us this; sweet thing! Scotch
+songs are always charming.'
+
+Demi glowered; but the obtuse boy never saw it, and Alice, feeling that
+this would be a safe vent for sundry unruly emotions, sat down at once,
+and sang the song which gave her answer better than she could have done:
+
+                BIDE A WEE
+
+    'The puir auld folk at home, ye mind,
+    Are frail and failing sair;
+    And weel I ken they'd miss me, lad,
+    Gin I come hame nae mair.
+    The grist is out, the times are hard,
+    The kine are only three;
+    I canna leave the auld folk now.
+    We'd better bide a wee.
+
+    'I fear me sair they're failing baith;
+    For when I sit apart,
+    They talk o' Heaven so earnestly,
+    It well nigh breaks my heart.
+    So, laddie, dinna urge me now,
+    It surely winna be;
+    I canna leave the auld folk yet.
+    We'd better bide a wee.'
+
+The room was very still before the first verse ended; and Alice skipped
+the next, fearing she could not get through; for John's eyes were on
+her, showing that he knew she sang for him and let the plaintive little
+ballad tell what her reply must be. He took it as she meant it, and
+smiled at her so happily that her heart got the better of her voice, and
+she rose abruptly, saying something about the heat.
+
+'Yes, you are tired; come out and rest, my dearest'; and with a
+masterful air Demi took her into the starlight, leaving Tom to stare
+after them winking as if a sky-rocket had suddenly gone off under his
+nose.
+
+'Bless my soul! the Deacon really meant business last summer and never
+told me. Won't Dora laugh?' And Tom departed in hot haste to impart and
+exult over his discovery.
+
+What was said in the garden was never exactly known; but the Brooke
+family sat up very late that night, and any curious eye at the window
+would have seen Demi receiving the homage of his womankind as he told
+his little romance. Josie took great credit to herself in the matter,
+insisting that she had made the match; Daisy was full of the sweetest
+sympathy and joy, and Mrs Meg so happy that when Jo had gone to dream
+of bridal veils, and Demi sat in his room blissfully playing the air of
+'Bide a Wee', she had her talk about Nat, ending with her arms round her
+dutiful daughter and these welcome words as her reward:
+
+'Wait till Nat comes home, and then my good girl shall wear white roses
+too.'
+
+
+
+Chapter 20. LIFE FOR LIFE
+
+The summer days that followed were full of rest and pleasure for young
+and old, as they did the honours of Plumfield to their happy guests.
+While Franz and Emil were busy with the affairs of Uncle Hermann and
+Captain Hardy, Mary and Ludmilla made friends everywhere; for, though
+very unlike, both were excellent and charming girls. Mrs Meg and Daisy
+found the German bride a Hausfrau after their own hearts, and had
+delightful times learning new dishes, hearing about the semi-yearly
+washes and the splendid linen-room at Hamburg, or discussing domestic
+life in all its branches. Ludmilla not only taught, but learned, many
+things, and went home with many new and useful ideas in her blonde head.
+
+Mary had seen so much of the world that she was unusually lively for
+an English girl; while her various accomplishments made her a most
+agreeable companion. Much good sense gave her ballast; and the late
+experiences of danger and happiness added a sweet gravity at times,
+which contrasted well with her natural gaiety. Mrs Jo was quite
+satisfied with Emil's choice, and felt sure this true and tender pilot
+would bring him safe to port through fair or stormy weather. She had
+feared that Franz would settle down into a comfortable, moneymaking
+burgher, and be content with that; but she soon saw that his love of
+music and his placid Ludmilla put much poetry into his busy life, and
+kept it from being too prosaic. So she felt at rest about these boys,
+and enjoyed their visit with real, maternal satisfaction; parting with
+them in September most regretfully, yet hopefully, as they sailed away
+to the new life that lay before them.
+
+Demi's engagement was confided to the immediate family only, as both
+were pronounced too young to do anything but love and wait. They were
+so happy that time seemed to stand still for them, and after a blissful
+week they parted bravely--Alice to home duties, with a hope that
+sustained and cheered her through many trials; and John to his business,
+full of a new ardour which made all things possible when such a reward
+was offered.
+
+Daisy rejoiced over them, and was never tired of hearing her brother's
+plans for the future. Her own hope soon made her what she used to be--a
+cheery, busy creature, with a smile, kind word, and helping hand for
+all; and as she went singing about the house again, her mother felt that
+the right remedy for past sadness had been found. The dear Pelican still
+had doubts and fears, but kept them wisely to herself, preparing sundry
+searching tests to be applied when Nat came home, and keeping a sharp
+eye on the letters from London; for some mysterious hint had flown
+across the sea, and Daisy's content seemed reflected in Nat's present
+cheerful state of mind.
+
+Having passed through the Werther period, and tried a little Faust--of
+which experience he spoke to his Marguerite as if it had included
+an acquaintance with Mephistopheles, Blocksburg, and Auerbach's
+wine-cellar--he now felt that he was a Wilhelm Meister, serving his
+apprenticeship to the great masters of life. As she knew the truth of
+his small sins and honest repentance, Daisy only smiled at the mixture
+of love and philosophy he sent her, knowing that it was impossible for a
+young man to live in Germany without catching the German spirit.
+
+'His heart is all right; and his head will soon grow clear when he gets
+out of the fog of tobacco, beer, and metaphysics he's been living in.
+England will wake up his common sense, and good salt air blow his little
+follies all away,' said Mrs Jo, much pleased with the good prospects
+of her violinist--whose return was delayed till spring, to his private
+regret, but professional advancement.
+
+Josie had a month with Miss Cameron at the seaside, and threw herself
+so heartily into the lesson given her that her energy, promise, and
+patience laid the foundation of a friendship which was of infinite value
+to her in the busy, brilliant years to come; for little Jo's instincts
+were right; and the dramatic talent of the Marches was to blossom by and
+by into an actress, virtuous, and beloved.
+
+Tom and his Dora were peacefully ambling altar-ward; for Bangs senior
+was so afraid his son would change his mind again and try a third
+profession, that he gladly consented to an early marriage, as a sort
+of anchor to hold the mercurial Thomas fast. Aforesaid Thomas could not
+complain of cold shoulders now; for Dora was a most devoted and adoring
+little mate, and made life so pleasant to him that his gift for getting
+into scrapes seemed lost, and he bade fair to become a thriving man,
+with undeniable talent for the business he had chosen.
+
+'We shall be married in the autumn, and live with my father for a while.
+The governor is getting on, you know, and my wife and I must look after
+him. Later we shall have an establishment of our own,' was a favourite
+speech of his about this time, and usually received with smiles; for the
+idea of Tommy Bangs at the head of an 'establishment' was irresistibly
+funny to all who knew him.
+
+Things were in this flourishing condition, and Mrs Jo was beginning to
+think her trials were over for that year, when a new excitement came.
+Several postal cards had arrived at long intervals from Dan, who gave
+them 'Care of M. Mason, etc.', as his address. By this means he was
+able to gratify his longing for home news, and to send brief messages to
+quiet their surprise at his delay in settling. The last one, which came
+in September, was dated 'Montana', and simply said:
+
+Here at last, trying mining again; but not going to stay long. All sorts
+of luck. Gave up the farm idea. Tell plans soon. Well, busy, and very
+happy. D. K.
+
+If they had known what the heavy dash under 'happy' meant, that postal
+would have been a very eloquent bit of pasteboard; for Dan was free,
+and had gone straight away to the liberty he panted for. Meeting an old
+friend by accident, he obliged him at a pinch by acting as overseer
+for a time, finding the society even of rough miners very sweet, and
+something in the muscular work wonderfully pleasant, after being cooped
+up in the brush-shop so long. He loved to take a pick and wrestle with
+rock and earth till he was weary--which was very soon; for that year of
+captivity had told upon his splendid physique. He longed to go home, but
+waited week after week to get the prison taint off him and the haggard
+look out of his face. Meanwhile he made friends of masters and men;
+and as no one knew his story, he took his place again in the world
+gratefully and gladly--with little pride now, and no plans but to do
+some good somewhere, and efface the past.
+
+Mrs Jo was having a grand clearing-out of her desk one October day,
+while the rain poured outside, and peace reigned in her mansion. Coming
+across the postals, she pondered over them, and then put them carefully
+away in the drawer labelled 'Boys' Letters', saying to herself, as she
+bundled eleven requests for autographs into the waste-paper basket:
+
+'It is quite time for another card, unless he is coming to tell his
+plans. I'm really curious to know what he has been about all this year,
+and how he's getting on now.'
+
+That last wish was granted within an hour; for Ted came rushing in, with
+a newspaper in one hand, a collapsed umbrella in the other, and a face
+full of excitement, announcing, all in one breathless jumble:
+
+'Mine caved in--twenty men shut up--no way out--wives crying--water
+rising--Dan knew the old shaft--risked his life--got 'em out--most
+killed--papers full of it--I knew he'd be a hero--hurray for old Dan!'
+
+'What? Where? When? Who? Stop roaring, and let me read!' commanded his
+mother, entirely bewildered.
+
+Relinquishing the paper, Ted allowed her to read for herself, with
+frequent interruptions from him--and Rob, who soon followed, eager
+for the tale. It was nothing new; but courage and devotion always stir
+generous hearts, and win admiration; so the account was both graphic and
+enthusiastic; and the name of Daniel Kean, the brave man who saved the
+lives of others at the risk of his own, was on many lips that day. Very
+proud were the faces of these friends as they read how their Dan was
+the only one who, in the first panic of the accident, remembered the old
+shaft that led into the mine--walled up, but the only hope of escape,
+if the men could be got out before the rising water drowned them; how he
+was lowered down alone, telling the others to keep back till he saw if
+it was safe; how he heard the poor fellows picking desperately for their
+lives on the other side, and by knocks and calls guided them to the
+right spot; then headed the rescue party, and working like a hero, got
+the men out in time. On being drawn up last of all, the worn rope broke,
+and he had a terrible fall, being much hurt, but was still alive. How
+the grateful women kissed his blackened face and bloody hands, as the
+men bore him away in triumph, and the owners of the mine promised a
+handsome reward, if he lived to receive it!
+
+'He must live; he shall, and come home to be nursed as soon as he can
+stir, if I go and bring him myself! I always knew he'd do something fine
+and brave, if he didn't get shot or hung for some wild prank instead,'
+cried Mrs Jo, much excited.
+
+'Do go, and take me with you, Mum. I ought to be the one, Dan's so fond
+of me and I of him,' began Ted, feeling that this would be an expedition
+after his own heart.
+
+Before his mother could reply, Mr Laurie came in, with almost as much
+noise and flurry as Teddy the second, exclaiming as he waved the evening
+paper:
+
+'Seen the news, Jo? What do you think? Shall I go off at once, and see
+after that brave boy?'
+
+'I wish you would. But the thing may not be all true--rumour lies so.
+Perhaps a few hours will bring an entirely new version of the story.'
+
+'I've telephoned to Demi for all he can find out; and if it's true, I'll
+go at once. Should like the trip. If he's able, I'll bring him home; if
+not, I'll stay and see to him. He'll pull through. Dan will never die of
+a fall on his head. He's got nine lives, and not lost half of them yet.'
+
+'If you go, uncle, mayn't I go with you? I'm just spoiling for a
+journey; and it would be such larks to go out there with you, and see
+the mines and Dan, and hear all about it, and help. I can nurse. Can't
+I, Rob?' cried Teddy, in his most wheedlesome tones.
+
+'Pretty well. But if mother can't spare you, I'm ready if uncle needs
+anyone,' answered Rob, in his quiet way, looking much fitter for the
+trip than excitable Ted.
+
+'I can't spare either of you. My boys get into trouble, unless I keep
+them close at home. I've no right to hold the others; but I won't let
+you out of my sight, or something will happen. Never saw such a year,
+with wrecks and weddings and floods and engagements, and every sort of
+catastrophe!' exclaimed Mrs Jo.
+
+'If you deal in girls and boys, you must expect this sort of thing,
+ma'am. The worst is over, I hope, till these lads begin to go off. Then
+I'll stand by you; for you'll need every kind of support and comfort,
+specially if Ted bolts early,' laughed Mr Laurie, enjoying her
+lamentations.
+
+'I don't think anything can surprise me now; but I am anxious about
+Dan, and feel that someone had better go to him. It's a rough place out
+there, and he may need careful nursing. Poor lad, he seems to get a good
+many hard knocks! But perhaps he needs them as “a mellerin' process”, as
+Hannah used to say.'
+
+'We shall hear from Demi before long, and then I'll be off.' With which
+cheerful promise Mr Laurie departed; and Ted, finding his mother firm,
+soon followed, to coax his uncle to take him.
+
+Further inquiry confirmed and added interest to the news. Mr Laurie was
+off at once; and Ted went into town with him, still vainly imploring to
+be taken to his Dan. He was absent all day; but his mother said, calmly:
+
+'Only a fit of the sulks because he is thwarted. He's safe with Tom or
+Demi, and will come home hungry and meek at night. I know him.'
+
+But she soon found that she could still be surprised; for evening
+brought no Ted, and no one had seen him. Mr Bhaer was just setting
+off to find his lost son, when a telegram arrived, dated at one of the
+way-stations on Mr Laurie's route:
+
+    Found Ted in the cars. Take him along. Write tomorrow.
+
+        T.  LAURENCE
+
+'Ted bolted sooner than you expected, mother. Never mind--uncle will
+take good care of him, and Dan be very glad to see him,' said Rob, as
+Mrs Jo sat, trying to realize that her youngest was actually on his way
+to the wild West.
+
+'Disobedient boy! He shall be severely punished, if I ever get him
+again. Laurie winked at this prank; I know he did. Just like him.
+Won't the two rascals have a splendid time? Wish I was with them! Don't
+believe that crazy boy took even a night-gown with him, or an overcoat.
+Well, there will be two patients for us to nurse when they get back, if
+they ever do. Those reckless express trains always go down precipices,
+and burn up, or telescope. Oh! my Ted, my precious boy, how can I let
+him go so far away from me?'
+
+And mother-like, Mrs Jo forgot the threatened chastisement in tender
+lamentations over the happy scapegrace, now whizzing across the
+continent in high feather at the success of his first revolt. Mr Laurie
+was much amused at his insisting that those words, 'when Ted bolts', put
+the idea into his head; and therefore the responsibility rested upon his
+shoulders. He assumed it kindly from the moment he came upon the runaway
+asleep in a car, with no visible luggage but a bottle of wine for Dan
+and a blacking-brush for himself; and as Mrs Jo suspected, the 'two
+rascals' did have a splendid time. Penitent letters arrived in due
+season, and the irate parents soon forgot to chide in their anxiety
+about Dan, who was very ill, and did not know his friends for several
+days. Then he began to mend; and everyone forgave the bad boy when he
+proudly reported that the first conscious words Dan said were: 'Hallo,
+Ted!' with a smile of pleasure at seeing a familiar face bent over him.
+
+'Glad he went, and I won't scold any more. Now, what shall we put in the
+box for Dan?' And Mrs Jo worked off her impatience to get hold of the
+invalid by sending comforts enough for a hospital.
+
+Cheering accounts soon began to come, and at length Dan was pronounced
+able to travel, but seemed in no haste to go home, though never tired of
+hearing his nurses talk of it.
+
+'Dan is strangely altered,' wrote Laurie to Jo; 'not by this illness
+alone, but by something which has evidently gone before. I don't know
+what, and leave you to ask; but from his ravings when delirious I fear
+he has been in some serious trouble the past year. He seems ten years
+older, but improved, quieter, and so grateful to us. It is pathetic to
+see the hunger in his eyes as they rest on Ted, as if he couldn't see
+enough of him. He says Kansas was a failure, but can't talk much; so I
+bide my time. The people here love him very much, and he cares for that
+sort of thing now; used to scorn any show of emotion, you know; now
+he wants everyone to think well of him, and can't do enough to win
+affection and respect. I may be all wrong. You will soon find out. Ted
+is in clover, and the trip has done him a world of good. Let me take him
+to Europe when we go? Apron-strings don't agree with him any better than
+they did with me when I proposed to run away to Washington with you some
+century ago. Aren't you sorry you didn't?'
+
+This private letter set Mrs Jo's lively fancy in a ferment, and she
+imagined every known crime, affliction, and complication which could
+possibly have befallen Dan. He was too feeble to be worried with
+questions now, but she promised herself most interesting revelations
+when she got him safe at home; for the 'firebrand' was her most
+interesting boy. She begged him to come, and spent more time in
+composing a letter that should bring him, than she did over the most
+thrilling episodes in her 'works'.
+
+No one but Dan saw the letter; but it did bring him, and one November
+day Mr Laurie helped a feeble man out of a carriage at the door of
+Plumfield, and Mother Bhaer received the wanderer like a recovered son;
+while Ted, in a disreputable-looking hat and an astonishing pair of
+boots, performed a sort of war-dance round the interesting group.
+
+'Right upstairs and rest; I'm nurse now, and this ghost must eat before
+he talks to anyone,' commanded Mrs Jo, trying not to show how shocked
+she was at this shorn and shaven, gaunt and pallid shadow of the
+stalwart man she parted with.
+
+He was quite content to obey, and lay on the long lounge in the room
+prepared for him, looking about as tranquilly as a sick child restored
+to its own nursery and mother's arms, while his new nurse fed and
+refreshed him, bravely controlling the questions that burned upon her
+tongue. Being weak and weary, he soon fell asleep; and then she stole
+away to enjoy the society of the 'rascals', whom she scolded and petted,
+pumped and praised, to her heart's content.
+
+'Jo, I think Dan has committed some crime and suffered for it,' said Mr
+Laurie, when Ted had departed to show his boots and tell glowing tales
+of the dangers and delights of the miners' life to his mates. 'Some
+terrible experience has come to the lad, and broken his spirit. He was
+quite out of his head when we arrived, and I took the watching, so I
+heard more of those sad wanderings than anyone else. He talked of the
+“warden”, some trail, a dead man, and Blair and Mason, and would keep
+offering me his hand, asking me if I would take it and forgive him.
+Once, when he was very wild, I held his arms, and he quieted in a
+moment, imploring me not to “put the handcuffs on”. I declare, it was
+quite awful sometimes to hear him in the night talk of old Plum and you,
+and beg to be let out and go home to die.'
+
+'He isn't going to die, but live to repent of anything he may have done;
+so don't harrow me up with these dark hints, Teddy. I don't care if he's
+broken the Ten Commandments, I'll stand by him, and so will you, and
+we'll set him on his feet and make a good man of him yet. I know he's
+not spoilt, by the look in his poor face. Don't say a word to anyone,
+and I'll have the truth before long,' answered Mrs Jo, still loyal to
+her bad boy, though much afflicted by what she had heard.
+
+For some days Dan rested, and saw few people; then good care, cheerful
+surroundings, and the comfort of being at home began to tell, and
+he seemed more like himself, though still very silent as to his late
+experiences, pleading the doctor's orders not to talk much. Everyone
+wanted to see him; but he shrank from any but old friends, and 'wouldn't
+lionize worth a cent', Ted said, much disappointed that he could not
+show off his brave Dan.
+
+'Wasn't a man there who wouldn't have done the same, so why make a row
+over me?' asked the hero, feeling more ashamed than proud of the broken
+arm, which looked so interesting in a sling.
+
+'But isn't it pleasant to think that you saved twenty lives, Dan, and
+gave husbands, sons, and fathers back to the women who loved them?'
+asked Mrs Jo one evening as they were alone together after several
+callers had been sent away.
+
+'Pleasant! it's all that kept me alive, I do believe; yes, I'd rather
+have done it than be made president or any other big bug in the world.
+No one knows what a comfort it is to think I've saved twenty men to more
+than pay for--' There Dan stopped short, having evidently spoken out of
+some strong emotion to which his hearer had no key.
+
+'I thought you'd feel so. It is a splendid thing to save life at the
+risk of one's own, as you did, and nearly lose it,' began Mrs Jo,
+wishing he had gone on with that impulsive speech which was so like his
+old manner.
+
+'“He that loseth his life shall gain it”,' muttered Dan, staring at the
+cheerful fire which lighted the room, and shone on his thin face with a
+ruddy glow.
+
+Mrs Jo was so startled at hearing such words from his lips that she
+exclaimed joyfully:
+
+'Then you did read the little book I gave you, and kept your promise?'
+
+'I read it a good deal after a while. I don't know much yet, but I'm
+ready to learn; and that's something.'
+
+'It's everything. Oh, my dear, tell me about it! I know something lies
+heavy on your heart; let me help you bear it, and so make the burden
+lighter.'
+
+'I know it would; I want to tell; but some things even you couldn't
+forgive; and if you let go of me, I'm afraid I can't keep afloat.'
+
+'Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will
+never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.'
+
+Mrs Jo took one of the big wasted hands in both of hers and held it
+fast, waiting silently till that sustaining touch warmed poor Dan's
+heart, and gave him courage to speak. Sitting in his old attitude, with
+his head in his hands, he slowly told it all, never once looking up till
+the last words left his lips.
+
+'Now you know; can you forgive a murderer, and keep a jail-bird in your
+house?'
+
+Her only answer was to put her arms about him, and lay the shorn head on
+her breast, with eyes so full of tears they could but dimly see the hope
+and fear that made his own so tragical.
+
+That was better than any words; and poor Dan clung to her in speechless
+gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love--that divine gift
+which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it. Two or three
+great, bitter drops were hidden in the little woollen shawl where Dan's
+cheek rested, and no one ever knew how soft and comfortable it felt to
+him after the hard pillows he had known so long. Suffering of both mind
+and body had broken will and pride, and the lifted burden brought such a
+sense of relief that he paused a moment to enjoy it in dumb delight.
+
+'My poor boy, how you have suffered all this year, when we thought you
+free as air! Why didn't you tell us, Dan, and let us help you? Did you
+doubt your friends?' asked Mrs Jo, forgetting all other emotions in
+sympathy, as she lifted up the hidden face, and looked reproachfully
+into the great hollow eyes that met her own frankly now.
+
+'I was ashamed. I tried to bear it alone rather than shock and
+disappoint you, as I know I have, though you try not to show it. Don't
+mind; I must get used to it'; and Dan's eyes dropped again as if they
+could not bear to see the trouble and dismay his confession painted on
+his best friend's face.
+
+'I am shocked and disappointed by the sin, but I am also very glad and
+proud and grateful that my sinner has repented, atoned, and is ready to
+profit by the bitter lesson. No one but Fritz and Laurie need ever know
+the truth; we owe it to them, and they will feel as I do,' answered Mrs
+Jo, wisely thinking that entire frankness would be a better tonic than
+too much sympathy.
+
+'No, they won't; men never forgive like women. But it's right. Please
+tell 'em for me, and get it over. Mr Laurence knows it, I guess. I
+blabbed when my wits were gone; but he was very kind all the same. I can
+bear their knowing; but oh, not Ted and the girls!' Dan clutched her
+arm with such an imploring face that she hastened to assure him no one
+should know except the two old friends, and he calmed down as if ashamed
+of his sudden panic.
+
+'It wasn't murder, mind you, it was in self-defence; he drew first, and
+I had to hit him. Didn't mean to kill him; but it doesn't worry me as
+much as it ought, I'm afraid. I've more than paid for it, and such a
+rascal is better out of the world than in it, showing boys the way to
+hell. Yes, I know you think that's awful in me; but I can't help it. I
+hate a scamp as I do a skulking coyote, and always want to get a shot at
+'em. Perhaps it would have been better if he had killed me; my life is
+spoilt.'
+
+All the old prison gloom seemed to settle like a black cloud on Dan's
+face as he spoke, and Mrs Jo was frightened at the glimpse it gave her
+of the fire through which he had passed to come out alive, but
+scarred for life. Hoping to turn his mind to happier things, she said
+cheerfully:
+
+'No, it isn't; you have learned to value it more and use it better
+for this trial. It is not a lost year, but one that may prove the most
+helpful of any you ever know. Try to think so, and begin again; we will
+help, and have all the more confidence in you for this failure. We all
+do the same and struggle on.'
+
+'I never can be what I was. I feel about sixty, and don't care for
+anything now I've got here. Let me stay till I'm on my legs, then I'll
+clear out and never trouble you any more,' said Dan despondently.
+
+'You are weak and low in your mind; that will pass, and by and by you
+will go to your missionary work among the Indians with all the old
+energy and the new patience, self-control, and knowledge you have
+gained. Tell me more about that good chaplain and Mary Mason and the
+lady whose chance word helped you so much. I want to know all about the
+trials of my poor boy.'
+
+Won by her tender interest, Dan brightened up and talked on till he had
+poured out all the story of that bitter year, and felt better for the
+load he lifted off.
+
+If he had known how it weighed upon his hearer's heart, he would have
+held his peace; but she hid her sorrow till she had sent him to bed,
+comforted and calm; then she cried her heart out, to the great dismay
+of Fritz and Laurie, till they heard the tale and could mourn with her;
+after which they all cheered up and took counsel together how best to
+help this worst of all the 'catastrophes' the year had brought them.
+
+
+
+Chapter 21. ASLAUGA'S KNIGHT
+
+It was curious to see the change which came over Dan after that talk. A
+weight seemed off his mind; and though the old impetuous spirit flashed
+out at times, he seemed intent on trying to show his gratitude and love
+and honour to these true friends by a new humility and confidence very
+sweet to them, very helpful to him. After hearing the story from Mrs
+Jo, the Professor and Mr Laurie made no allusion to it beyond the hearty
+hand-grasp, the look of compassion, the brief word of good cheer in
+which men convey sympathy, and a redoubled kindness which left no doubt
+of pardon. Mr Laurie began at once to interest influential persons
+in Dan's mission, and set in motion the machinery which needs so much
+oiling before anything can be done where Government is concerned.
+Mr Bhaer, with the skill of a true teacher, gave Dan's hungry mind
+something to do, and helped him understand himself by carrying on the
+good chaplain's task so paternally that the poor fellow often said he
+felt as if he had found a father. The boys took him to drive, and amused
+him with their pranks and plans; while the women, old and young, nursed
+and petted him till he felt like a sultan with a crowd of devoted
+slaves, obedient to his lightest wish. A very little of this was enough
+for Dan, who had a masculine horror of 'molly-coddling', and so brief an
+acquaintance with illness that he rebelled against the doctor's orders
+to keep quiet; and it took all Mrs Jo's authority and the girls'
+ingenuity to keep him from leaving his sofa long before strained back
+and wounded head were well. Daisy cooked for him; Nan attended to his
+medicines; Josie read aloud to while away the long hours of inaction
+that hung so heavily on his hands; while Bess brought all her
+pictures and casts to amuse him, and, at his special desire, set up a
+modelling-stand in his parlour and began to mould the buffalo head he
+gave her. Those afternoons seemed the pleasantest part of his day; and
+Mrs Jo, busy in her study close by, could see the friendly trio and
+enjoy the pretty pictures they made. The girls were much flattered
+by the success of their efforts, and exerted themselves to be very
+entertaining, consulting Dan's moods with the feminine tact most women
+creatures learn before they are out of pinafores. When he was gay, the
+room rang with laughter; when gloomy, they read or worked in respectful
+silence till their sweet patience cheered him up again; and when in pain
+they hovered over him like 'a couple of angels', as he said. He often
+called Josie 'little mother', but Bess was always 'Princess'; and his
+manner to the two cousins was quite different. Josie sometimes fretted
+him with her fussy ways, the long plays she liked to read, and the
+maternal scoldings she administered when he broke the rules; for having
+a lord of creation in her power was so delightful to her that she would
+have ruled him with a rod of iron if he had submitted. To Bess, in her
+gentler ministrations, he never showed either impatience or weariness,
+but obeyed her least word, exerted himself to seem well in her presence,
+and took such interest in her work that he lay looking at her with
+unwearied eyes; while Josie read to him in her best style unheeded.
+
+Mrs Jo observed this, and called them 'Una and the Lion', which suited
+them very well, though the lion's mane was shorn, and Una never tried to
+bridle him. The elder ladies did their part in providing delicacies and
+supplying all his wants; but Mrs Meg was busy at home, Mrs Amy preparing
+for the trip to Europe in the spring, and Mrs Jo hovering on the brink
+of a 'vortex'--for the forthcoming book had been sadly delayed by
+the late domestic events. As she sat at her desk, settling papers or
+meditatively nibbling her pen while waiting for the divine afflatus to
+descend upon her, she often forgot her fictitious heroes and heroines
+in studying the live models before her, and thus by chance looks, words,
+and gestures discovered a little romance unsuspected by anyone else.
+
+The portiere between the rooms was usually drawn aside, giving a view of
+the group in the large bay-window--Bess at one side, in her grey blouse,
+busy with her tools; Josie at the other side with her book; and between,
+on the long couch, propped with many cushions, lay Dan in a many-hued
+eastern dressing-gown presented by Mr Laurie and worn to please
+the girls, though the invalid much preferred an old jacket 'with no
+confounded tail to bother over'. He faced Mrs Jo's room, but never
+seemed to see her, for his eyes were on the slender figure before him,
+with the pale winter sunshine touching her golden head, and the delicate
+hands that shaped the clay so deftly. Josie was just visible, rocking
+violently in a little chair at the head of the couch, and the steady
+murmur of her girlish voice was usually the only sound that broke the
+quiet of the room, unless a sudden discussion arose about the book or
+the buffalo.
+
+Something in the big eyes, bigger and blacker than ever in the thin
+white face, fixed, so steadily on one object, had a sort of fascination
+for Mrs Jo after a time, and she watched the changes in them curiously;
+for Dan's mind was evidently not on the story, and he often forgot to
+laugh or exclaim at the comic or exciting crises. Sometimes they were
+soft and wistful, and the watcher was very glad that neither damsel
+caught that dangerous look for when they spoke it vanished; sometimes
+it was full of eager fire, and the colour came and went rebelliously,
+in spite of his attempt to hide it with an impatient gesture of hand or
+head; but oftenest it was dark, and sad, and stern, as if those gloomy
+eyes looked out of captivity at some forbidden light or joy. This
+expression came so often that it worried Mrs Jo, and she longed to go
+and ask him what bitter memory overshadowed those quiet hours. She knew
+that his crime and its punishment must lie heavy on his mind; but youth,
+and time, and new hopes would bring comfort, and help to wear away
+the first sharpness of the prison brand. It lifted at other times, and
+seemed almost forgotten when he joked with the boys, talked with old
+friends, or enjoyed the first snows as he drove out every fair day. Why
+should the shadow always fall so darkly on him in the society of these
+innocent and friendly girls? They never seemed to see it, and if either
+looked or spoke, a quick smile came like a sunburst through the clouds
+to answer them. So Mrs Jo went on watching, wondering, and discovering,
+till accident confirmed her fears.
+
+Josie was called away one day, and Bess, tired of working, offered to
+take her place if he cared for more reading.
+
+'I do; your reading suits me better than Jo's. She goes so fast my
+stupid head gets in a muddle and soon begins to ache. Don't tell her;
+she's a dear little soul, and so good to sit here with a bear like me.'
+
+The smile was ready as Bess went to the table for a new book, the last
+story being finished.
+
+'You are not a bear, but very good and patient, we think. It is always
+hard for a man to be shut up, mamma says, and must be terrible for you,
+who have always been so free.'
+
+If Bess had not been reading titles she would have seen Dan shrink as
+if her last words hurt him. He made no answer; but other eyes saw and
+understood why he looked as if he would have liked to spring up and rush
+away for one of his long races up the hill, as he used to do when the
+longing for liberty grew uncontrollable. Moved by a sudden impulse, Mrs
+Jo caught up her work-basket and went to join her neighbours, feeling
+that a non-conductor might be needed; for Dan looked like a thundercloud
+full of electricity.
+
+'What shall we read, Aunty? Dan doesn't seem to care. You know his
+taste; tell me something quiet and pleasant and short. Josie will
+be back soon,' said Bess, still turning over the books piled on the
+centre-table.
+
+Before Mrs Jo could answer, Dan pulled a shabby little volume from under
+his pillow, and handing it to her said: 'Please read the third one; it's
+short and pretty--I'm fond of it.' The book opened at the right place,
+as if the third story had been often read, and Bess smiled as she saw
+the name.
+
+'Why, Dan, I shouldn't think you'd care for this romantic German tale.
+There is fighting in it; but it is very sentimental, if I remember
+rightly.'
+
+'I know it; but I've read so few stories, I like the simple ones best.
+Had nothing else to read sometimes; I guess I know it all by heart, and
+never seem to be tired of those fighting fellows, and the fiends and
+angels and lovely ladies. You read “Aslauga's Knight”, and see if you
+don't like it. Edwald was rather too soft for my fancy; but Froda was
+first-rate and the spirit with the golden hair always reminded me of
+you.'
+
+As Dan spoke Mrs Jo settled herself where she could watch him in the
+glass, and Bess took a large chair facing him, saying, as she put up her
+hands to retie the ribbon that held the cluster of thick, soft curls at
+the back of her head:
+
+'I hope Aslauga's hair wasn't as troublesome as mine, for it's always
+tumbling down. I'll be ready in a minute.'
+
+'Don't tie it up; please let it hang. I love to see it shine that way.
+It will rest your head, and be just right for the story, Goldilocks,'
+pleaded Dan, using the childish name and looking more like his boyish
+self than he had done for many a day.
+
+Bess laughed, shook down her pretty hair, and began to read, glad to
+hide her face a little; for compliments made her shy, no matter who paid
+them. Dan listened intently on; and Mrs Jo, with eyes that went often
+from her needle to the glass, could see, without turning, how he
+enjoyed every word as if it had more meaning for him than for the other
+listeners. His face brightened wonderfully, and soon wore the look that
+came when anything brave or beautiful inspired and touched his better
+self. It was Fouque's charming story of the knight Froda, and the fair
+daughter of Sigurd, who was a sort of spirit, appearing to her lover in
+hours of danger and trial, as well as triumph and joy, till she became
+his guide and guard, inspiring him with courage, nobleness, and truth,
+leading him to great deeds in the field, sacrifices for those he loved,
+and victories over himself by the gleaming of her golden hair, which
+shone on him in battle, dreams, and perils by day and night, till after
+death he finds the lovely spirit waiting to receive and to reward him.
+
+Of all the stories in the book this was the last one would have supposed
+Dan would like best, and even Mrs Jo was surprised at his perceiving the
+moral of the tale through the delicate imagery and romantic language by
+which it was illustrated. But as she looked and listened she remembered
+the streak of sentiment and refinement which lay concealed in Dan like
+the gold vein in a rock, making him quick to feel and to enjoy fine
+colour in a flower, grace in an animal, sweetness in women, heroism in
+men, and all the tender ties that bind heart to heart; though he was
+slow to show it, having no words to express the tastes and instincts
+which he inherited from his mother. Suffering of soul and body had
+tamed his stronger passions, and the atmosphere of love and pity now
+surrounding him purified and warmed his heart till it began to hunger
+for the food neglected or denied so long. This was plainly written in
+his too expressive face, as, fancying it unseen, he let it tell the
+longing after beauty, peace, and happiness embodied for him in the
+innocent fair girl before him.
+
+The conviction of this sad yet natural fact came to Mrs Jo with a pang,
+for she felt how utterly hopeless such a longing was; since light and
+darkness were not farther apart than snow-white Bess and sin-stained
+Dan. No dream of such a thing disturbed the young girl, as her entire
+unconsciousness plainly showed. But how long would it be before the
+eloquent eyes betrayed the truth? And then what disappointment for
+Dan, what dismay for Bess, who was as cool and high and pure as her own
+marbles, and shunned all thought of love with maidenly reserve.
+
+'How hard everything is made for my poor boy! How can I spoil his little
+dream, and take away the spirit of good he is beginning to love and long
+for? When my own dear lads are safely settled I'll never try another,
+for these things are heart-breaking, and I can't manage any more,'
+thought Mrs Jo, as she put the lining into Teddy's coat-sleeve upside
+down, so perplexed and grieved was she at this new catastrophe.
+
+The story was soon done, and as Bess shook back her hair, Dan asked as
+eagerly as a boy:
+
+'Don't you like it?'
+
+'Yes, it's very pretty, and I see the meaning of it; but Undine was
+always my favourite.'
+
+'Of course, that's like you--lilies and pearls and souls and pure
+water. Sintram used to be mine; but I took a fancy to this when I
+was--ahem--rather down on my luck one time, and it did me good, it was
+so cheerful and sort of spiritual in its meaning, you know.'
+
+Bess opened her blue eyes in wonder at this fancy of Dan's for anything
+'spiritual'; but she only nodded, saying: 'Some of the little songs are
+sweet and might be set to music.'
+
+Dan laughed; 'I used to sing the last one to a tune of my own sometimes
+at sunset:
+
+    '“Listening to celestial lays,
+      Bending thy unclouded gaze
+      On the pure and living light,
+      Thou art blest, Aslauga's Knight!”
+
+'And I was,' he added, under his breath, as he glanced towards the
+sunshine dancing on the wall.
+
+'This one suits you better now'; and glad to please him by her interest,
+Bess read in her soft voice:
+
+    '“Healfast, healfast, ye hero wounds;
+      O knight, be quickly strong!
+      Beloved strife
+      For fame and life,
+      Oh, tarry not too long!”'
+
+'I'm no hero, never can be, and “fame and life” can't do much for me.
+Never mind, read me that paper, please. This knock on the head has made
+a regular fool of me.'
+
+Dan's voice was gentle; but the light was gone out of his face now, and
+he moved restlessly as if the silken pillows were full of thorns. Seeing
+that his mood had changed, Bess quietly put down the book, took up the
+paper, and glanced along the columns for something to suit him.
+
+'You don't care for the money market, I know, nor musical news. Here's
+a murder; you used to like those; shall I read it? One man kills
+another--,'
+
+'No!'
+
+Only a word, but it gave Mrs Jo a thrill, and for a moment she dared not
+glance at the tell-tale mirror. When she did Dan lay motionless with one
+hand over his eyes, and Bess was happily reading the art news to ears
+that never heard a word. Feeling like a thief who has stolen something
+very precious, Mrs Jo slipped away to her study, and before long Bess
+followed to report that Dan was fast asleep.
+
+Sending her home, with the firm resolve to keep her there as much as
+possible, Mother Bhaer had an hour of serious thought all alone in the
+red sunset; and when a sound in the next room led her there, she found
+that the feigned sleep had become real repose; for Dan lay breathing
+heavily, with a scarlet spot on either cheek, and one hand clinched on
+his broad breast. Yearning over him with a deeper pity than ever before,
+she sat in the little chair beside him, trying to see her way out of
+this tangle, till his hand slipped down, and in doing so snapped a cord
+he wore about his neck and let a small case drop to the floor.
+
+Mrs Jo picked it up, and as he did not wake, sat looking at it, idly
+wondering what charm it held; for the case was of Indian workmanship and
+the broken cord, of closely woven grass, sweet scented and pale yellow.
+
+'I won't pry into any more of the poor fellow's secrets. I'll mend and
+put it back, and never let him know I've seen his talisman.'
+
+As she spoke she turned the little wallet to examine the fracture, and
+a card fell into her lap. It was a photograph, cut to fit its covering,
+and two words were written underneath the face, 'My Aslauga'. For an
+instant Mrs Jo fancied that it might be one of herself, for all the boys
+had them; but as the thin paper fell away, she saw the picture Demi took
+of Bess that happy summer day. There was no doubt now, and with a sigh
+she put it back, and was about to slip it into Dan's bosom so that not
+even a stitch should betray her knowledge, when as she leaned towards
+him, she saw that he was looking straight at her with an expression that
+surprised her more than any of the strange ones she had ever seen in
+that changeful face before.
+
+'Your hand slipped down; it fell; I was putting it back,' explained Mrs
+Jo, feeling like a naughty child caught in mischief.
+
+'You saw the picture?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'And know what a fool I am?'
+
+'Yes, Dan, and am so grieved--'
+
+'Don't worry about me. I'm all right--glad you know, though I never
+meant to tell you. Of course it is only a crazy fancy of mine, and
+nothing can ever come of it. Never thought there would. Good Lord! what
+could that little angel ever be to me but what she is--a sort of dream
+of all that's sweet and good?'
+
+More afflicted by the quiet resignation of his look and tone than by
+the most passionate ardour, Mrs Jo could only say, with a face full of
+sympathy:
+
+'It is very hard, dear, but there is no other way to look at it. You are
+wise and brave enough to see that, and to let the secret be ours alone.'
+
+'I swear I will! not a word nor a look if I can help it. No one guesses,
+and if it troubles no one, is there any harm in my keeping this, and
+taking comfort in the pretty fancy that kept me sane in that cursed
+place?'
+
+Dan's face was eager now, and he hid away the little worn case as if
+defying any hand to take it from him. Anxious to know everything before
+giving counsel or comfort, Mrs Jo said quietly:
+
+'Keep it, and tell me all about the “fancy”. Since I have stumbled on
+your secret, let me know how it came, and how I can help to make it
+lighter to bear.'
+
+'You'll laugh; but I don't mind. You always did find out our secrets and
+give us a lift. Well, I never cared much for books, you know; but down
+yonder when the devil tormented me I had to do something or go stark
+mad, so I read both the books you gave me. One was beyond me, till that
+good old man showed me how to read it; but the other, this one, was a
+comfort, I tell you. It amused me, and was as pretty as poetry. I liked
+'em all, and most wore out Sintram. See how used up he is! Then I came
+to this, and it sort of fitted that other happy part of my life, last
+summer--here.'
+
+Dan stopped a moment as the words lingered on his lips; then, with a
+long breath, went on, as if it was hard to lay bare the foolish little
+romance he had woven about a girl, a picture, and a child's story there
+in the darkness of the place which was as terrible to him as Dante's
+Inferno, till he found his Beatrice.
+
+'I couldn't sleep, and had to think about something, so I used to fancy
+I was Folko, and see the shining of Aslauga's hair in the sunset on
+the wall, the gum of the watchman's lamp, and the light that came in at
+dawn. My cell was high. I could see a bit of sky; sometimes there was
+a star in it, and that was most as good as a face. I set great store by
+that patch of blue, and when a white cloud went by, I thought it was the
+prettiest thing in all this world. I guess I was pretty near a fool; but
+those thoughts and things helped me through, so they are all solemn true
+to me, and I can't let them go. The dear shiny head, the white gown, the
+eyes like stars, and sweet, calm ways that set her as high above me as
+the moon in heaven. Don't take it away! it's only a fancy, but a man
+must love something, and I'd better love a spirit like her than any of
+the poor common girls who would care for me.'
+
+The quiet despair in Dan's voice pierced Mrs Jo to the heart; but there
+was no hope and she gave none. Yet she felt that he was right, and that
+his hapless affection might do more to uplift and purify him than any
+other he might know. Few women would care to marry Dan now, except such
+as would hinder, not help, him in the struggle which life would always
+be to him; and it was better to go solitary to his grave than become
+what she suspected his father had been--a handsome, unprincipled, and
+dangerous man, with more than one broken heart to answer for.
+
+'Yes, Dan, it is wise to keep this innocent fancy, if it helps and
+comforts you, till something more real and possible comes to make you
+happier. I wish I could give you any hope; but we both know that the
+dear child is the apple of her father's eye, the pride of her mother's
+heart, and that the most perfect lover they can find will hardly seem to
+them worthy of their precious daughter. Let her remain for you the high,
+bright star that leads you up and makes you believe in heaven.' Mrs Jo
+broke down there; it seemed so cruel to destroy the faint hope Dan's
+eyes betrayed, that she could not moralize when she thought of his hard
+life and lonely future. Perhaps it was the wisest thing she could have
+done, for in her hearty sympathy he found comfort for his own loss, and
+very soon was able to speak again in the manly tone of resignation
+to the inevitable that showed how honest was his effort to give up
+everything but the pale shadow of what, for another, might have been a
+happy possibility.
+
+They talked long and earnestly in the twilight; and this second secret
+bound them closer than the first; for in it there was neither sin nor
+shame--only the tender pain and patience which has made saints and
+heroes of far worse men than our poor Dan. When at length they rose at
+the summons of a bell, all the sunset glory had departed, and in the
+wintry sky there hung one star, large, soft, and clear, above a snowy
+world. Pausing at the window before she dropped the curtains, Mrs Jo
+said cheerfully:
+
+'Come and see how beautiful the evening star is, since you love it so.'
+And as he stood behind her, tall and pale, like the ghost of his former
+self, she added softly: 'And remember, dear, if the sweet girl is denied
+you, the old friend is always here--to love and trust and pray for you.'
+
+This time she was not disappointed; and had she asked any reward for
+many anxieties and cares, she received it when Dan's strong arm came
+round her, as he said, in a voice which showed her that she had not
+laboured in vain to pluck her firebrand from the burning:
+
+'I never can forget that; for she's helped to save my soul, and make me
+dare to look up there and say:
+
+“God bless her!”'
+
+
+
+Chapter 22. POSITIVELY LAST APPEARANCE
+
+'Upon my word, I feel as if I lived in a powder-magazine, and don't
+know which barrel will explode next, and send me flying,' said Mrs Jo
+to herself next day, as she trudged up to Parnassus to suggest to her
+sister that perhaps the most charming of the young nurses had better
+return to her marble gods before she unconsciously added another wound
+to those already won by the human hero. She told no secrets; but a hint
+was sufficient; for Mrs Amy guarded her daughter as a pearl of great
+price, and at once devised a very simple means of escape from danger.
+Mr Laurie was going to Washington on Dan's behalf, and was delighted to
+take his family with him when the idea was carelessly suggested. So the
+conspiracy succeeded finely; and Mrs Jo went home, feeling more like a
+traitor than ever. She expected an explosion; but Dan took the news so
+quietly, it was plain that he cherished no hope; and Mrs Amy was sure
+her romantic sister had been mistaken. If she had seen Dan's face when
+Bess went to say good-bye, her maternal eye would have discovered far
+more than the unconscious girl did. Mrs Jo trembled lest he should
+betray himself; but he had learned self-control in a stern school, and
+would have got through the hard moment bravely, only, when he took both
+hands, saying heartily:
+
+'Good-bye, Princess. If we don't meet again, remember your old friend
+Dan sometimes,' she, touched by his late danger and the wistful look he
+wore, answered with unusual warmth: 'How can I help it, when you make us
+all so proud of you? God bless your mission, and bring you safely home
+to us again!'
+
+As she looked up at him with a face full of frank affection and sweet
+regret, all that he was losing rose so vividly before him that Dan could
+not resist the impulse to take the 'dear goldy head' between his hands
+and kiss it, with a broken 'Good-bye'; then hurried back to his room,
+feeling as if it were the prison-cell again, with no glimpse of heaven's
+blue to comfort him.
+
+This abrupt caress and departure rather startled Bess; for she felt with
+a girl's quick instinct that there was something in that kiss unknown
+before, and looked after him with sudden colour in her cheeks and new
+trouble in her eyes. Mrs Jo saw it, and fearing a very natural question
+answered it before it was put.
+
+'Forgive him, Bess. He has had a great trouble, and it makes him tender
+at parting with old friends; for you know he may never come back from
+the wild world he is going to.'
+
+'You mean the fall and danger of death?' asked Bess, innocently.
+
+'No, dear; a greater trouble than that. But I cannot tell you any
+more--except that he has come through it bravely; so you may trust and
+respect him, as I do.'
+
+'He has lost someone he loved. Poor Dan! We must be very kind to him.'
+
+Bess did not ask the question, but seemed content with her solution of
+the mystery--which was so true that Mrs Jo confirmed it by a nod, and
+let her go away believing that some tender loss and sorrow wrought the
+great change all saw in Dan, and made him so slow to speak concerning
+the past year.
+
+But Ted was less easily satisfied, and this unusual reticence goaded
+him to desperation. His mother had warned him not to trouble Dan with
+questions till he was quite well; but this prospect of approaching
+departure made him resolve to have a full, clear, and satisfactory
+account of the adventures which he felt sure must have been thrilling,
+from stray words Dan let fall in his fever. So one day when the coast
+was clear, Master Ted volunteered to amuse the invalid, and did so in
+the following manner:
+
+'Look here, old boy, if you don't want me to read, you've got to talk,
+and tell me all about Kansas, and the farms, and that part. The Montana
+business I know, but you seem to forget what went before. Brace up, and
+let's have it,' he began, with an abruptness which roused Dan from a
+brown study most effectually.
+
+'No, I don't forget; it isn't interesting to anyone but myself. I didn't
+see any farms--gave it up,' he said slowly.
+
+'Why?'
+
+'Other things to do.'
+
+'What?'
+
+'Well, brush-making for one thing.'
+
+'Don't chaff a fellow. Tell true.'
+
+'I truly did.'
+
+'What for?'
+
+'To keep out of mischief, as much as anything.'
+
+'Well, of all the queer things--and you've done a lot--that's the
+queerest,' cried Ted, taken aback at this disappointing discovery. But
+he didn't mean to give up yet, and began again.
+
+'What mischief, Dan?'
+
+'Never you mind. Boys shouldn't bother.'
+
+'But I do want to know, awfully, because I'm your pal, and care for you
+no end. Always did. Come, now, tell me a good yarn. I love scrapes. I'll
+be mum as an oyster if you don't want it known.'
+
+'Will you?' and Dan looked at him, wondering how the boyish face would
+change if the truth were suddenly told him.
+
+'I'll swear it on locked fists, if you like. I know it was jolly, and
+I'm aching to hear.'
+
+'You are as curious as a girl. More than some--Josie and--and Bess never
+asked a question.'
+
+'They don't care about rows and things; they liked the mine business,
+heroes, and that sort. So do I, and I'm as proud as Punch over it; but
+I see by your eyes that there was something else before that, and I'm
+bound to find out who Blair and Mason are, and who was hit and who ran
+away, and all the rest of it.'
+
+'What!' cried Dan, in a tone that made Ted jump.
+
+'Well, you used to mutter about 'em in your sleep, and Uncle Laurie
+wondered. So did I; but don't mind, if you can't remember, or would
+rather not.'
+
+'What else did I say? Queer, what stuff a man will talk when his wits
+are gone.'
+
+'That's all I heard; but it seemed interesting, and I just mentioned it,
+thinking it might refresh your memory a bit,' said Teddy, very politely;
+for Dan's frown was heavy at that moment.
+
+It cleared off at this reply, and after a look at the boy squirming with
+suppressed impatience in his chair, Dan made up his mind to amuse him
+with a game of cross-purposes and half-truths, hoping to quench his
+curiosity, and so get peace.
+
+'Let me see; Blair was a lad I met in the cars, and Mason a poor fellow
+who was in a--well, a sort of hospital where I happened to be. Blair ran
+off to his brothers, and I suppose I might say Mason was hit, because he
+died there. Does that suit you?'
+
+'No, it doesn't. Why did Blair run? and who hit the other fellow? I'm
+sure there was a fight somewhere, wasn't there?'
+
+'Yes!
+
+'I guess I know what it was about.'
+
+'The devil, you do! Let's hear you guess. Must be amusing,' said Dan,
+affecting an ease he did not feel.
+
+Charmed to be allowed to free his mind, Ted at once unfolded the boyish
+solution of the mystery which he had been cherishing, for he felt that
+there was one somewhere.
+
+'You needn't say yes, if I guess right and you are under oath to keep
+silent. I shall know by your face, and never tell. Now see if I'm not
+right. Out there they have wild doings, and it's my belief you were in
+some of 'em. I don't mean robbing mails, and KluKluxing, and that sort
+of thing; but defending the settlers, or hanging some scamp, or even
+shooting a few, as a fellow must sometimes, in self-defence. Ah, ha!
+I've hit it, I see. Needn't speak; I know the flash of your old eye, and
+the clench of your big fist.' And Ted pranced with satisfaction.
+
+'Drive on, smart boy, and don't lose the trail,' said Dan, finding a
+curious sense of comfort in some of these random words, and longing, but
+not daring, to confirm the true ones. He might have confessed the crime,
+but not the punishment that followed, the sense of its disgrace was
+still so strong upon him.
+
+'I knew I should get it; can't deceive me long,' began Ted, with such an
+air of pride Dan could not help a short laugh.
+
+'It's a relief, isn't it, to have it off your mind? Now, just confide in
+me and it's all safe, unless you've sworn not to tell.'
+
+'I have.'
+
+'Oh, well, then don't'; and Ted's face fell, but he was himself again
+in a moment and said, with the air of a man of the world: 'It's all
+right--I understand--honour binds--silence to death, etc. Glad you stood
+by your mate in the hospital. How many did you kill?'
+
+'Only one.'
+
+'Bad lot, of course?'
+
+'A damned rascal.'
+
+'Well, don't look so fierce; I've no objection. Wouldn't mind popping
+at some of those bloodthirsty blackguards myself. Had to dodge and keep
+quiet after it, I suppose.'
+
+'Pretty quiet for a long spell.'
+
+'Got off all right in the end, and headed for your mines and did that
+jolly brave thing. Now, I call that decidedly interesting and capital.
+I'm glad to know it; but I won't blab.'
+
+'Mind you don't. Look here. Ted, if you'd killed a man, would it trouble
+you--a bad one, I mean?'
+
+The lad opened his mouth to say, 'Not a bit,' but checked that answer as
+if something in Dan's face made him change his mind. 'Well, if it was my
+duty in war or self-defence, I suppose I shouldn't; but if I'd pitched
+into him in a rage, I guess I should be very sorry. Shouldn't wonder if
+he sort of haunted me, and remorse gnawed me as it did Aram and those
+fellows. You don't mind, do you? It was a fair fight, wasn't it?'
+
+'Yes, I was in the right; but I wish I'd been out of it. Women don't see
+it that way, and look horrified at such things. Makes it hard; but it
+don't matter.'
+
+'Don't tell 'em; then they can't worry,' said Ted, with the nod of one
+versed in the management of the sex.
+
+'Don't intend to. Mind you keep your notions to yourself, for some of
+'em are wide of the mark. Now you may read if you like'; and there the
+talk ended; but Ted took great comfort in it, and looked as wise as an
+owl afterwards.
+
+A few quiet weeks followed, during which Dan chafed at the delay; and
+when at length word came that his credentials were ready, he was eager
+to be off, to forget a vain love in hard work, and live for others,
+since he might not for himself.
+
+So one wild March morning our Sintram rode away, with horse and hound,
+to face again the enemies who would have conquered him, but for Heaven's
+help and human pity.
+
+'Ah, me! it does seem as if life was made of partings, and they get
+harder as we go on,' sighed Mrs Jo, a week later, as she sat in the long
+parlour at Parnassus one evening, whither the family had gone to welcome
+the travellers back.
+
+'And meetings too, dear; for here we are, and Nat is on his way at last.
+Look for the silver lining, as Marmee used to say, and be comforted,'
+answered Mrs Amy, glad to be at home and find no wolves prowling near
+her sheepfold.
+
+'I've been so worried lately, I can't help croaking. I wonder what Dan
+thought at not seeing you again? It was wise; but he would have enjoyed
+another look at home faces before he went into the wilderness,' said Mrs
+Jo regretfully.
+
+'Much better so. We left notes and all we could think of that he might
+need, and slipped away before he came. Bess really seemed relieved;
+I'm sure I was'; and Mrs Amy smoothed an anxious line out of her white
+forehead, as she smiled at her daughter, laughing happily among her
+cousins.
+
+Mrs Jo shook her head as if the silver lining of that cloud was hard to
+find; but she had no time to croak again, for just then Mr Laurie came
+in looking well pleased at something.
+
+'A new picture has arrived; face towards the music-room, good people,
+and tell me how you like it. I call it “Only a fiddler”, after
+Andersen's story. What name will you give it?'
+
+As he spoke he threw open the wide doors, and just beyond they saw a
+young man standing, with a beaming face, and a violin in his hand. There
+was no doubt about the name to this picture, and with the cry 'Nat!
+Nat!' there was a general uprising. But Daisy reached him first, and
+seemed to have lost her usual composure somewhere on the way, for she
+clung to him, sobbing with the shock of a surprise and joy too great for
+her to bear quietly. Everything was settled by that tearful and tender
+embrace, for, though Mrs Meg speedily detached her daughter, it was only
+to take her place; while Demi shook Nat's hand with brotherly warmth,
+and Josie danced round them like Macbeth's three witches in one,
+chanting in her most tragic tones:
+
+'Chirper thou wast; second violin thou art; first thou shalt be. Hail,
+all hail!'
+
+This caused a laugh, and made things gay and comfortable at once. Then
+the usual fire of questions and answers began, to be kept up briskly
+while the boys admired Nat's blond beard and foreign clothes, the girls
+his improved appearance--for he was ruddy with good English beef
+and beer, and fresh with the sea-breezes which had blown him swiftly
+home--and the older folk rejoiced over his prospects. Of course all
+wanted to hear him play; and when tongues tired, he gladly did his best
+for them, surprising the most critical by his progress in music even
+more than by the energy and self-possession which made a new man
+of bashful Nat. By and by when the violin--that most human of all
+instruments--had sung to them the loveliest songs without words, he
+said, looking about him at these old friends with what Mr Bhaer called a
+'feeling-full' expression of happiness and content:
+
+'Now let me play something that you will all remember though you won't
+love it as I do'; and standing in the attitude which Ole Bull has
+immortalized, he played the street melody he gave them the first night
+he came to Plumfield. They remembered it, and joined in the plaintive
+chorus, which fitly expressed his own emotions:
+
+    'Oh my heart is sad and weary
+     Everywhere I roam,
+     Longing for the old plantation
+     And for the old folks at home.'
+
+'Now I feel better,' said Mrs Jo, as they all trooped down the hill soon
+after. 'Some of our boys are failures, but I think this one is going to
+be a success, and patient Daisy a happy girl at last. Nat is your work,
+Fritz, and I congratulate you heartily.'
+
+'Ach, we can but sow the seed and trust that it falls on good ground.
+I planted, perhaps, but you watched that the fowls of the air did not
+devour it, and brother Laurie watered generously; so we will share the
+harvest among us, and be glad even for a small one, heart's-dearest.'
+
+'I thought the seed had fallen on very stony ground with my poor Dan;
+but I shall not be surprised if he surpasses all the rest in the real
+success of life, since there is more rejoicing over one repentant sinner
+than many saints,' answered Mrs Jo, still clinging fast to her black
+sheep although a whole flock of white ones trotted happily before her.
+
+It is a strong temptation to the weary historian to close the present
+tale with an earthquake which should engulf Plumfield and its environs
+so deeply in the bowels of the earth that no youthful Schliemann could
+ever find a vestige of it. But as that somewhat melodramatic conclusion
+might shock my gentle readers, I will refrain, and forestall the usual
+question, 'How did they end?' by briefly stating that all the marriages
+turned out well. The boys prospered in their various callings; so did
+the girls, for Bess and Josie won honours in their artistic careers, and
+in the course of time found worthy mates. Nan remained a busy, cheerful,
+independent spinster, and dedicated her life to her suffering sisters
+and their children, in which true woman's work she found abiding
+happiness. Dan never married, but lived, bravely and usefully, among his
+chosen people till he was shot defending them, and at last lay quietly
+asleep in the green wilderness he loved so well, with a lock of golden
+hair upon his breast, and a smile on his face which seemed to say that
+Aslauga's Knight had fought his last fight and was at peace. Stuffy
+became an alderman, and died suddenly of apoplexy after a public dinner.
+Dolly was a society man of mark till he lost his money, when he found
+congenial employment in a fashionable tailoring establishment. Demi
+became a partner, and lived to see his name above the door, and Rob was
+a professor at Laurence College; but Teddy eclipsed them all by becoming
+an eloquent and famous clergyman, to the great delight of his astonished
+mother. And now, having endeavoured to suit everyone by many weddings,
+few deaths, and as much prosperity as the eternal fitness of things will
+permit, let the music stop, the lights die out, and the curtain fall for
+ever on the March family.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jo's Boys, by Louisa May Alcott
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