'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 Ididn't stop to fix up, you see; though I knew you'd think I lookedmore like a wild buffalo than ever,' with a shake of his shaggy blackhead, 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 likeone. Mary, being a newcomer, was frightened at your looks andmanners. Josie won't know you, but Ted will recognize his Danny inspite of the big beard and flowing mane. They will all be here soonto 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 gonewell with you?' asked Mrs Jo, who had been listening with maternalinterest to his account of life in California, and the unexpectedsuccess of a small investment he had made.

 

　　'First-rate! I don't care for the money, you know. I only want atrifle to pay my way--rather earn as I go, and not be bothered withthe care of a lot. It's the fun of the thing coming to me, and mybeing able to give away, that I like. No use to lay up; I shan't liveto be old and need it,--my sort never do,' said Dan, looking as ifhis little fortune rather oppressed him.

 

　　'But if you marry and settle somewhere, as I hope you will, you musthave something to begin with, my son. So be prudent and invest yourmoney; don't give it away, for rainy days come to all of us, anddependence would be very hard for you to bear,' answered Mrs Jo witha sage air, though she liked to see that the money-making fever hadnot seized her lucky boy yet.

 

　　Dan shook his head, and glanced about the room as if he already foundit rather confined and longed for all out-of-doors again.

 

　　'Who would marry a jack-o'-lantern like me? Women like a steady-goingman; I shall never be that.'

 

　　'My dear boy, when I was a girl I liked just such adventurous fellowsas you are. Anything fresh and daring, free and romantic, is alwaysattractive to us womenfolk. Don't be discouraged; you'll find ananchor some day, and be content to take shorter voyages and bringhome 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 amarble bust of Galatea gleaming white and lovely in the corner.

 

　　'Welcome her heartily, if she was a good one. Is there a prospect ofit?' and Mrs Jo peered at him with the interest which even literaryladies take in love affairs.

 

　　'Not at present, thank you. I'm too busy "to gallivant", as Ted callsit. 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 virtuesof her sons till they came bursting in and fell upon Dan like twoaffectionate young bears, finding a vent for their joyful emotions ina sort of friendly wrestling-match; in which both got worsted, ofcourse, for the hunter soon settled them. The Professor followed, andtongues went like mill-clappers while Mary lighted up and cookdevoted herself to an unusually good supper, instinctively diviningthat 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, hislungs seeming to need more than those of civilized people. In one ofthese trips he saw a white figure framed in the dark doorway, andpaused to look at it. Bess paused also, not recognizing her oldfriend, and quite unconscious of the pretty picture she madestanding, tall and slender, against the soft gloom of the summernight, with her golden hair like a halo round her head, and the endsof a white shawl blown out like wings by the cool wind sweepingthrough the hail. 'Is it Dan?' she asked, coming in with a gracioussmile and outstretched hand.

 

　　'Looks like it; but I didn't know you, Princess. I thought it was aspirit,' answered Dan, looking down at her with a curious softnessand wonder in his face.

 

　　'I've grown very much, but two years have changed you entirely'; andBess looked up with girlish pleasure at the picturesque figure beforeher--for it was a decided contrast to the well-dressed people abouther.

 

　　Before they could say more, Josie rushed in, and, forgetfull of thenewly acquired dignity of her teens, let Dan catch her up and kissher like a child. Not till he set her down did he discover she alsowas changed, and exclaimed in comic dismay:

 

　　'Hallo! Why, you are growing up too! What am I going to do, with noyoung one to play with? Here's Ted going it like a beanstalk, andBess a young lady, and even you, my mustard-seed, letting down yourfrocks 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 prettycontrast, these two young cousins--one as fair as a lily, the other alittle wild rose. And Dan gave a nod of satisfaction as he surveyedthem; for he had seen many bonny girls in his travels, and was gladthat these old friends were blooming so beautifully.

 

　　'Here! we can't allow any monopoly of Dan!' called Mrs Jo. 'Bring himback and keep an eye on him, or he will be slipping off for anotherlittle run of a year or two before we have half seen him.'

 

　　Led by these agreeable captors, Dan returned to the parlour toreceive a scolding from Josie for getting ahead of all the other boysand looking like a man first.

 

　　'Emil is older; but he's only a boy, and dances jigs and sings sailorsongs just as he used to. You look about thirty, and as big and blackas a villain in a play. Oh, I've got a splendid idea! You are justthe 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 aregoing to shower bushels of ashes down and roll barrels of stonesabout. We wanted a dark man for the Egyptian; and you will begorgeous in red and white shawls. Won't he, Aunt Jo?'

 

　　This deluge of words made Dan clap his hands over his ears; andbefore Mrs Bhaer could answer her impetuous niece the Laurences, withMeg and her family, arrived, soon followed by Tom and Nan, and allsat down to listen to Dan's adventures--told in brief yet effectivemanner, 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 makefortunes; the girls could hardly wait for the curious and prettythings he had picked up for them in his travels; while the eldersrejoiced heartily over the energy and good prospects of their wildboy.

 

　　'Of course you will want to go back for another stroke of luck; and Ihope you will have it. But speculation is a dangerous game, and youmay lose all you've won,' said Mr Laurie, who had enjoyed thestirring tale as much as any of the boys, and would have liked torough 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 anotion to try farming out West. It's grand on a large scale; and Ifeel as if steady work would be rather jolly after loafing round solong. I can make a beginning, and you can send me your black sheep tostock my place with. I tried sheep-farming in Australia, and knowsomething about black ones, any way.'

 

　　A laugh chased away the sober look in Dan's face as he ended; andthose who knew him best guessed that he had learned a lesson there inSan Francisco, and dared not try again.

 

　　'That is a capital idea, Dan!' cried Mrs Jo, seeing great hope inthis desire to fix himself somewhere and help others. 'We shall knowwhere you are, and can go and see you, and not have half the worldbetween us. I'll send my Ted for a visit. He's such a restlessspirit, it would do him good. With you he would be safe while heworked 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 chanceout 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 willcome out and settle there. You will want a newspaper very soon, and Ilike the idea of running one myself much better than grinding away asI do now,' observed Demi, panting to distinguish himself in thejournalistic line.

 

　　'We could easily plant a new college there. These sturdy Westernersare hungry for learning, and very quick to see and choose the best,'

 

　　added ever-young Mr March, beholding with his prophetic eye manyduplicates of their own flourishing establishment springing up in thewide West.

 

　　'Go on, Dan. It is a fine plan, and we will back you up. I shouldn'tmind investing in a few prairies and cowboys myself,' said Mr Laurie,always ready to help the lads to help themselves, both by his cheerywords and ever-open purse.

 

　　'A little money sort of ballasts a fellow, and investing it in landanchors 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 aboutit 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 thesefriends 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 muchpreferred the romance of the wandering life which brought herthrilling tales and pretty things at each return.

 

　　'Is there any art out there?' asked Bess, thinking what a good studyin black and white Dan would make as he stood talking, half turnedfrom the light.

 

　　'Plenty of nature, dear; and that is better. You will find splendidanimals to model, and scenery such as you never saw in Europe topaint. Even prosaic pumpkins are grand out there. You can playCinderella in one of them, Josie, when you open your theatre inDansville,' said Mr Laurie, anxious that no cold water should bethrown on the new plan.

 

　　Stage-struck Josie was caught at once, and being promised all thetragic parts on the yet unbuilt stage, she felt a deep interest inthe project and begged Dan to lose no time in beginning hisexperiment. Bess also confessed that studies from nature would begood for her, and wild scenery improve her taste, which might growover-nice if only the delicate and beautiful were set before her.

 

　　'I speak for the practice of the new town,' said Nan, always eagerfor fresh enterprises. 'I shall be ready by the time you get wellstarted--towns grow so fast out there.'

 

　　'Dan isn't going to allow any woman under forty in his place. Hedoesn't like them, 'specially young and pretty ones,' put in Tom, whowas raging with jealousy, because he read admiration for Nan in Dan'seyes.

 

　　'That won't affect me, because doctors are exceptions to all rules.

 

　　There won't be much sickness in Dansville, everyone will lead suchactive, wholesome lives, and only energetic young people will gothere. But accidents will be frequent, owing to wild cattle, fastriding, Indian scrimmages, and the recklessness of Western life. Thatwill just suit me. I long for broken bones, surgery is so interestingand I get so little here,' answered Nan, yearning to put out hershingle and begin.

 

　　'I'll have you, Doctor, and be glad of such a good sample of what wecan do in the East. Peg away, and I'll send for you as soon as I havea roof to cover you. I'll scalp a few red fellows or smash up a dozenor so of cowboys for your special benefit,' laughed Dan, well pleasedwith the energy and fine physique which made Nan a conspicuous figureamong other girls.

 

　　'Thanks. I'll come. Would you just let me feel your arm? Splendidbiceps! Now, boys, see here: this is what I call muscle.' And Nandelivered a short lecture with Dan's sinewy arm to illustrate it.

 

　　Tom retired to the alcove and glowered at the stars, while he swunghis own right arm with a vigour suggestive of knocking someone down.

 

　　'Make Tom sexton; he'll enjoy burying the patients Nan kills. He'strying to get up the glum expression proper to the business. Don'tforget him, Dan,' said Ted, directing attention to the blighted beingin the corner.

 

　　But Tom never sulked long, and came out from his brief eclipse withthe cheerful proposition:

 

　　'Look here, we'll get the city to ship out to Dansville all the casesof yellow fever, smallpox, and cholera that arrive; then Nan will behappy and her mistakes won't matter much with emigrants andconvicts.'

 

　　'I should advise settling near Jacksonville, or some such city, thatyou might enjoy the society of cultivated persons. The Plato Club isthere, and a most ardent thirst for philosophy. Everything from theEast is welcomed hospitably, and new enterprises would flourish insuch 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 exceptnaughty Ted smiled, and Dan made haste to unfold another planseething in that active brain of his.

 

　　'I'm not sure the farming will succeed, and have a strong leaningtowards my old friends the Montana Indians. They are a peacefultribe, and need help awfully; hundreds have died of starvationbecause they don't get their share. The Sioux are fighters, thirtythousand strong, so Government fears 'em, and gives 'em all theywant. I call that a damned shame!' Dan stopped short as the oathslipped out, but his eyes flashed, and he went on quickly: 'It isjust that, and I won't beg pardon. If I'd had any money when I wasthere I'd have given every cent to those poor devils, cheated out ofeverything, and waiting patiently, after being driven from their ownland to places where nothing will grow. Now, honest agents could domuch, and I've a feeling that I ought to go and lend a hand. I knowtheir lingo, and I like 'em. I've got a few thousands, and I ain'tsure I have any right to spend it on myself and settle down to enjoyit. Hey?'

 

　　Dan looked very manly and earnest as he faced his friends, flushedand excited by the energy of his words; and all felt that littlethrill of sympathy which links hearts together by the tie of pity forthe wronged.

 

　　'Do it, do it!' cried Mrs Jo, fired at once; for misfortune was muchmore interesting to her than good luck.

 

　　'Do it, do it!' echoed Ted, applauding as if at a play, 'and take mealong to help. I'm just raging to get among those fine fellows andhunt.'

 

　　'Let us hear more and see if it is wise,' said Mr Laurie, privatelyresolving to people his as yet unbought prairies with MontanaIndians, and increase his donations to the society that sentmissionaries to this much wronged people.

 

　　Dan plunged at once into the history of what he saw among theDakotas, 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 theyever 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 usefulif I go back. They are down on their luck, now, and I'd like to paymy debts.'

 

　　By this time everyone was interested, and Dansville began to lose itscharm. But prudent Mr Bhaer suggested that one honest agent amongmany could not do much, and noble as the effort would be, it waswiser to think over the matter carefully, get influence and authorityfrom 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 thatpromises. Met a fellow in 'Frisco who'd been there, and he spoke wellof it. The fact is, there's so much to be done every where that Idon't know where to catch on, and half wish I hadn't any money,'

 

　　answered Dan, knitting his brows in the perplexity all kind soulsfeel 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 ladyou'll give it to the first beggar that gets hold of you. I'll turnit over while you are prospecting, and hand it back when you areready to invest, shall I?' asked Mr Laurie, who had learned wisdomsince the days of his own extravagant youth.

 

　　'Thanky, sir, I'd be glad to get rid of it. You just hold on till Isay the word; and if anything happens to me this time, keep it tohelp some other scamp as you helped me. This is my will, and you allwitness it. Now I feel better.' And Dan squared his shoulders as ifrelieved of a burden, after handing over the belt in which he carriedhis little fortune.

 

　　No one dreamed how much was to happen before Dan came to take hismoney back, nor how nearly that act was his last will and testament;and while Mr Laurie was explaining how he would invest it, a cheeryvoice 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 hecame hurrying in with Nat, who had been giving lessons in town allday. It was good to see the latter beam at his friend as he nearlyshook his hand off; better still to see how Dan gratefully rememberedall he owed Nat, and tried to pay the debt in his rough way; and bestof all to hear the two travellers compare notes and reel off yarns todazzle 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 flockof night-loving birds. Mr March and the Professor retired to thestudy, Meg and Amy went to look after the little refection of fruitand cake which was to come, and Mrs Jo and Mr Laurie sat in the longwindow listening to the chat that went on outside.

 

　　'There they are, the flower of our flock!' she said, pointing to thegroup before them. 'The others are dead or scattered, but these sevenboys and four girls are my especial comfort and pride. CountingAlice Heath, my dozen is made up, and my hands are full trying toguide these young lives as far as human skill can do it.'

 

　　'When we remember how different they are, from what some of themcame, and the home influences about others, I think we may feelpretty well satisfied so far,' answered Mr Laurie soberly, as hiseyes rested on one bright head among the black and brown ones, forthe young moon shone alike on all.

 

　　'I don't worry about the girls; Meg sees to them, and is so wise andpatient and tender they can't help doing well; but my boys are morecare every year, and seem to drift farther away from me each timethey go,' sighed Mrs Jo. 'They will grow up, and I can only hold themby one little thread, which may snap at any time, as it has with Jackand Ned. Dolly and George still like to come back, and I can say myword 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'thelp worrying about. Emil's good heart will keep him straight, Ihope, 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 yourstrengthening influence; and Dan is still untamed. I fear it willtake some hard lesson to do that.'

 

　　'He's a fine fellow, Jo, and I almost regret this farming project. Alittle polish would make a gentleman of him, and who knows what hemight become here among us,' answered Mr Laurie, leaning over MrsBhaer's chair, just as he used to do years ago when they hadmischievous secrets together.

 

　　'It wouldn't be safe, Teddy. Work and the free life he loves willmake 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'tchange his nature--only help it to develop in the right direction.

 

　　The old impulses are there, and must be controlled, or he will gowrong. I see that; but his love for us is a safeguard, and we mustkeep a hold on him till he is older or has a stronger tie to helphim.'

 

　　Mrs Jo spoke earnestly, for, knowing Dan better than anyone else, shesaw that her colt was not thoroughly broken yet, and feared while shehoped, knowing that life would always be hard for one like him. Shewas sure that before he went away again, in some quiet moment hewould give her a glimpse of his inner self, and then she could saythe word of warning or encouragement that he needed. So she bided hertime, studying him meanwhile, glad to see all that was promising, andquick to detect the harm the world was doing him. She was veryanxious to make a success of her 'firebrand' because others predictedfailure; but having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay,she contented herself with the hope that this neglected boy mightbecome a good man, and asked no more. Even that was much to expect,so full was he of wayward impulses, strong passions, and the lawlessnature born in him. Nothing held him but the one affection of hislife--the memory of Plumfield, the fear of disappointing thesefaithful friends, the pride, stronger than principle, that made himwant to keep the regard of the mates who always had admired and lovedhim in spite of all his faults.

 

　　'Don't fret, old dear; Emil is one of the happy-go-lucky sort whoalways fall on their legs. I'll see to Nat, and Dan is in a good waynow. Let him take a look at Kansas, and if the farm plan loses itscharm, 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 decideto do it. Fighting oppressors, and befriending the oppressed willkeep those dangerous energies of his busy, and the life will suit himbetter than sheep-folds and wheat-fields.'

 

　　'I hope so. What is that?' and Mrs Jo leaned forward to listen, asexclamations from Ted and Josie caught her ear.

 

　　'A mustang! a real, live one; and we can ride it. Dan, you are afirst-class trump!' cried the boy.

 

　　'A whole Indian dress for me! Now I can play Namioka, if the boys actMetamora,' added Josie, clapping her hands.

 

　　'A buffalo's head for Bess! Good gracious, Dan, why did you bringsuch 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-pambygods and pet kittens,' answered irreverent Dan, remembering that whenhe was last here Bess was vibrating distractedly between a head ofApollo and her Persian cat as models.

 

　　'Thank you; I'll try it, and if I fail we can put the buffalo up inthe hall to remind us of you,' said Bess, indignant at the insultoffered the gods of her idolatry, but too well bred to show it exceptin 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 restdo? Too rough for you?' asked Dan, trying to assume the deferentialair all the boys used when addressing their Princess.

 

　　'I am going to Rome to study for years. All the beauty and art of theworld 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" andmy magnificent Rockies. I don't care a hang for art; nature is asmuch as I can stand, and I guess I could show you things that wouldknock your old masters higher than kites. Better come, and whileJosie rides the horses you can model 'em. If a drove of a hundred orso of wild ones can't show you beauty, I'll give up,' cried Dan,waxing enthusiastic over the wild grace and vigour which he couldenjoy but had no power to describe.

 

　　'I'll come some day with papa, and see if they are better than thehorses of St Mark and those on Capitol Hill. Please don't abuse mygods, and I will try to like yours,' said Bess, beginning to thinkthe West might be worth seeing, though no Raphael or Angelo had yetappeared there.

 

　　'That's a bargain! I do think people ought to see their own countrybefore they go scooting off to foreign parts, as if the new worldwasn'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 goodthings,' cried Nan, who held advanced views on all reforms, and wasanxious about her rights, having had to fight for some of them.

 

　　'Oh, please don't begin on that. People always quarrel over thatquestion, and call names, and never agree. Do let us be quiet andhappy tonight,' pleaded Daisy, who hated discussion as much as Nanloved it.

 

　　'You shall vote as much as you like in our new town, Nan; be mayorand aldermen, and run the whole concern. It's going to be as free asair, or I can't live in it,' said Dan, adding, with a laugh, 'I seeMrs Giddygaddy and Mrs Shakespeare Smith don't agree any better thanthey used to.'

 

　　'If everyone agreed, we should never get on. Daisy is a dear, butinclined to be an old fogy; so I stir her up; and next fall she willgo and vote with me. Demi will escort us to do the one thing we areallowed to do as yet.'

 

　　'Will you take 'em, Deacon?' asked Dan, using the old name as if heliked it. 'It works capitally in Wyoming.'

 

　　'I shall be proud to do it. Mother and the aunts go every year, andDaisy will come with me. She is my better half still; and I don'tmean to leave her behind in anything,' said Demi, with an arm roundhis sister of whom he was fonder than ever.

 

　　Dan looked at them wistfully, thinking how sweet it must be to havesuch a tie; and his lonely youth seemed sadder than ever as herecalled its struggles. A gusty sigh from Tom made sentimentimpossible, as he said pensively:

 

　　'I always wanted to be a twin. It's so sociable and so cosy to havesomeone glad to lean on a fellow and comfort him, if other girls arecruel.'

 

　　As Tom's unrequited passion was the standing joke of the family, thisallusion produced a laugh, which Nan increased by whipping out abottle of Nux, saying, with her professional air:

 

　　'I knew you ate too much lobster for tea. Take four pellets, and yourdyspepsia will be all right. Tom always sighs and is silly when he'sovereaten.'

 

　　'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 andpowders, and cavort round the world a spell, and you'll soon forgetyou've got a heart, or a stomach either,' said Dan, offering his onepanacea for all ills.

 

　　'Ship with me, Tom. A good fit of seasickness will set you up, and astiff north-easter blow your blue-devils away. Come along assurgeon--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 andsorrow, and freely offered them to his friends.

 

　　'Perhaps I'll think of it when I've got my diploma. I'm not going togrind three mortal years and have nothing to show for it. Till then,--'

 

　　'I'll never desert Mrs Micawber,' interrupted Teddy, with a gurglingsob. Tom immediately rolled him off the step into the wet grassbelow; and by the time this slight skirmish was over, the jingle ofteaspoons suggested refreshments of a more agreeable sort. In formertimes the little girls waited on the boys, to save confusion; now theyoung men flew to serve the ladies, young and old; and that slightfact showed plainly how the tables were turned by time. And what apleasant arrangement it was! Even Josie sat still, and let Emil bringher berries; enjoying her young lady-hood, till Ted stole her cake,when she forgot manners, and chastised him with a rap on theknuckles. As guest of honour, Dan was only allowed to wait on Bess,who still held the highest place in this small world. Tom carefullyselected 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 toDaisy, and chewed rose-leaves for his supper.

 

　　When a surprising quantity of wholesome nourishment had beenconsumed, someone said, 'Let's sing!' and a tuneful hour followed.

 

　　Nat fiddled, Demi piped, Dan strummed the old banjo, and Emil warbleda doleful ballad about the wreck of the Bounding Betsey; theneverybody 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 windthat blew up from the hayfields, and brought the breath of flowersfrom 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 mighthave come. Imagine the shock when, instead of some interestingconfidence 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 ofthe sequel of that boyish frolic touched his heart; for he stoopedand kissed her, saying in a whisper: 'Good night, mother.' And Mrs Jowas half satisfied.