'Why, there's a dog!' And on the threshold of the door appeared agreat deer-hound, standing motionless, with his eyes fixed on Dan.

 

　　'Hallo, old boy! Couldn't you wait till I came for you? Have you cutaway on the sly? Own up now, and take your whipping like a man,' saidDan, rising to meet the dog, who reared on his hind legs to look hismaster in the face and bark as if uttering an indignant denial of anydisobedience.

 

　　'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 wereseen approaching:

 

　　'I left my plunder at the hotel over night, not knowing how I shouldfind you. Come out and see Octoo, my mustang; she's a beauty.' AndDan was off, with the family streaming after him, to welcome thenewcomer.

 

　　They found her preparing to go up the steps in her eagerness to reachher 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 adeer. Well, my girl, do you want a gallop?' he asked, as the prettycreature clattered up to him and whinnied with pleasure as he rubbedher nose and slapped her glossy flank.

 

　　'That's what I call a horse worth having,' said Ted, full ofadmiration and delight; for he was to have the care of her duringDan'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 blackmare was very dear to him.

 

　　'What does "Octoo" mean?' asked Rob.

 

　　'Lightning; she deserves it, as you'll see. Black Hawk gave her to mefor my rifle, and we've had high times together out yonder. She'ssaved my life more than once. Do you see that scar?'

 

　　Dan pointed to a small one, half hidden by the long mane; andstanding 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 assoon as we expected; so our food gave out, and there we were ahundred miles from Red Deer River, where our camp was. I thought wewere done for, but my brave pal says: "Now I'll show you how we canlive till we find the herds." We were unsaddling for the night by alittle pond; there wasn't a living creature in sight anywhere, noteven a bird, and we could see for miles over the prairies. What doyou think we did?' And Dan looked into the faces round him.

 

　　'Ate worms like the Australian fellows,' said Rob. 'Boiled grass orleaves,' 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 somesort.

 

　　'No; but we bled one of them. See, just here; filled a tin cup, putsome wild sage leaves in it, with water, and heated it over a fire ofsticks. It was good, and we slept well.'

 

　　'I guess Octoo didn't.' And Josie patted the animal, with a face fullof sympathy.

 

　　'Never minded it a bit. Black Hawk said we could live on the horsesseveral days and still travel before they felt it. But by anothermorning we found the buffalo, and I shot the one whose head is in mybox, ready to hang up and scare brats into fits. He's a fierce oldfellow, you bet.'

 

　　'What is this strap for?' asked Ted, who was busily examining theIndian saddle, the single rein and snaffle, with lariat, and roundthe neck the leather band he spoke of.

 

　　'We hold on to that when we lie along the horse's flank farthest fromthe enemy, and fire under the neck as we gallop round and round. I'llshow 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 sometimesoff altogether, running beside her as she loped along, enjoying thefun immensely; while Don raced after, in a canine rapture at beingfree again and with his mates.

 

　　It was a fine sight--the three wild things at play, so full ofvigour, grace, and freedom, that for the moment the smooth lawnseemed a prairie; and the spectators felt as if this glimpse ofanother life made their own seem rather tame and colourless.

 

　　'This is better than a circus!' cried Mrs Jo, wishing she were a girlagain, that she might take a gallop on this chained lightning of ahorse. '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 begood for him in all ways. But I fear Dan will never follow a ploughafter riding a Pegasus like that,' answered Mr Bhaer, as the blackmare leaped the gate and came flying up the avenue, to stop at a wordand stand quivering with excitement, while Dan swung himself off andlooked up for applause.

 

　　He received plenty of it, and seemed more pleased for his pet's sakethan for his own. Ted clamoured for a lesson at once, and was soon atease in the queer saddle, finding Octoo gentle as a lamb, as hetrotted away to show off at college. Bess came hastening down thehill, having seen the race from afar; and all collected on the piazzawhile 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 moreluggage than he could carry in his well-worn valise. But now that hehad a little money of his own, he had cumbered himself with acollection of trophies won by his bow and spear, and brought themhome to bestow upon his friends.

 

　　'We shall be devoured with moths,' thought Mrs Jo, as the shaggy headappeared, followed by a wolf-skin rug for her feet, a bear-skin dittofor 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 delightnevertheless. Ted and Josie immediately 'dressed up', learned thewar-whoop, and proceeded to astonish their friends by a series ofskirmishes about the house and grounds, with tomahawks and bows andarrows, till weariness produced a lull.

 

　　Gay birds' wings, plumy pampas grass, strings of wampum, and prettywork in beads, bark, and feathers, pleased the girls. Minerals,arrow-heads, and crude sketches interested the Professor; and whenthe box was empty, Dan gave Mr Laurie, as his gift, several plaintiveIndian songs written on birch-bark.

 

　　'We only want a tent over us to be quite perfect. I feel as if Iought 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 withfeathers, moccasins, or beads.

 

　　'Moose noses, buffalo tongues, bear steaks, and roasted marrow-boneswould be the thing, but I don't mind a change; so bring on yourbaa-baa and green meat,' answered Dan from the box, where he sat instate like a chief among his tribe, with the great hound at his feet.

 

　　The girls began to clear up, but made little headway; for everythingthey touched had a story, and all were thrilling, comical, or wild;so they found it hard to settle to their work, till Dan was carriedoff by Mr Laurie.

 

　　This was the beginning of the summer holiday, and it was curious tosee what a pleasant little stir Dan's and Emil's coming made in thequiet life of the studious community; for they seemed to bring afresh breeze with them that enlivened everyone. Many of thecollegians remained during vacation; and Plumfield and Parnassus didtheir best to make these days pleasant for them, since most came fromdistant States, were poor, and had few opportunities but this forculture or amusement. Emil was hail-fellow-well-met with men andmaids, and went rollicking about in true sailor fashion; but Danstood rather in awe of the 'fair girl-graduates', and was silent whenamong them, eyeing them as an eagle might a flock of doves. He got onbetter with the young men, and was their hero at once. Theiradmiration for his manly accomplishments did him good; because hefelt his educational defects keenly, and often wondered if he couldfind anything in books to satisfy him as thoroughly as did thelessons he was learning from Nature's splendidly illustrated volume.

 

　　In spite of his silence, the girls found out his good qualities, andregarded 'the Spaniard', as they named him, with great favour; forhis black eyes were more eloquent than his tongue, and the kindcreatures tried to show their friendly interests in many charmingways.

 

　　He saw this, and endeavoured to be worthy of it--curbing his freespeech, toning down his rough manners, and watching the effect of allhe said and did, anxious to make a good impression. The socialatmosphere warmed his lonely heart, the culture excited him to do hisbest, and the changes which had taken place during his absence, bothin himself and others, made the old home seem like a new world. Afterthe life in California, it was sweet and restful to be here, withthese familiar faces round him, helping him to forget much that heregretted, and to resolve to deserve more entirely the confidence ofthese 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 avacation for years. Bess kept her promise, and let the dust gather onher beloved clay while she went pleasuring with her mates or studiedmusic with her father, who rejoiced over the fresh roses in hercheeks and the laughter which chased away the dreamy look she used towear. Josie quarrelled less with Ted; for Dan had a way of looking ather which quelled her instantly, and had almost as good an effectupon her rebellious cousin. But Octoo did even more for the livelyyouth, who found that her charms entirely eclipsed those of thebicycle which had been his heart's delight before. Early and late herode this untiring beast, and began to gain flesh--to the great joyof his mother, who feared that her beanstalk was growing too fast forhealth.

 

　　Demi, finding business dull, solaced his leisure by photographingeverybody he could induce to sit or stand to him, producing someexcellent pictures among many failures; for he had a pretty taste ingrouping, and endless patience. He might be said to view the worldthrough the lens of his camera, and seemed to enjoy himself very muchsquinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black cambric. Danwas a treasure to him; for he took well, and willingly posed in hisMexican costume, with horse and hound, and all wanted copies of theseeffective photographs. Bess, also, was a favourite sitter; and Demireceived a prize at the Amateur Photographic Exhibition for one ofhis cousin with all her hair about her face, which rose from thecloud of white lace draping the shoulders. These were freely handedround by the proud artist; and one copy had a tender little historyyet to be told.

 

　　Nat was snatching every minute he could get with Daisy before thelong parting; and Mrs Meg relented somewhat, feeling sure thatabsence would quite cure this unfortunate fancy. Daisy said little;but her gentle face was sad when she was alone, and a few quiet tearsdropped on the handkerchiefs she marked so daintily with her ownhair. She was sure Nat would not forget her; and life looked ratherforlorn without the dear fellow who had been her friend since thedays of patty-pans and confidences in the willow-tree. She was anold-fashioned daughter, dutiful and docile, with such love andreverence for her mother that her will was law; and if love wasforbidden, friendship must suffice. So she kept her little sorrow toherself, smiled cheerfully at Nat, and made his last days ofhome-life very happy with every comfort and pleasure she could give,from sensible advice and sweet words to a well-filled work-bag forhis bachelor establishment and a box of goodies for the voyage.

 

　　Tom and Nan took all the time they could spare from their studies toenjoy high jinks at Plumfield with their old friends; for Emil's nextvoyage was to be a long one, Nat's absence was uncertain, and no oneever knew when Dan would turn up again. They all seemed to feel thatlife was beginning to grow serious; and even while they enjoyed thoselovely summer days together they were conscious that they werechildren no longer, and often in the pauses of their fun talkedsoberly of their plans and hopes, as if anxious to know and help oneanother before they drifted farther apart on their different ways.

 

　　A few weeks were all they had; then the Brenda was ready, Nat was tosail from New York, and Dan went along to see him off; for his ownplans fermented in his head, and he was eager to be up and doing. Afarewell dance was given on Parnassus in honour of the travellers,and all turned out in their best array and gayest spirits. George andDolly came with the latest Harvard airs and graces, radiant tobehold, in dress-suits and 'crushed hats', as Josie called theespecial pride and joy of their boyish souls. Jack and Ned sentregrets and best wishes, and no one mourned their absence; for theywere among what Mrs Jo called her failures. Poor Tom got intotrouble, as usual, by deluging his head with some highly scentedpreparation in the vain hope of making his tight curls lie flat andsmooth, as was the style. Unhappily, his rebellious crop only kinkedthe closer, and the odour of many barbers' shops clung to him inspite of his frantic efforts to banish it. Nan wouldn't allow himnear 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 outfrom Paradise. Of course his mates jeered at him, and nothing but theunquenchable jollity of his nature kept him from despair.

 

　　Emil was resplendent in his new uniform, and danced with an abandonwhich only sailors know. His pumps seemed to be everywhere, and hispartners soon lost breath trying to keep up with him; but the girlsall declared he steered like an angel, and in spite of his pace nocollisions took place; so he was happy, and found no lack of damselsto ship with him.

 

　　Having no dress-suit, Dan had been coaxed to wear his Mexicancostume, and feeling at ease in the many-buttoned trousers, loosejacket, and gay sash, flung his serape over his shoulder with aflourish and looked his best, doing great execution with his longspurs, as he taught Josie strange steps or rolled his black eyesadmiringly after certain blonde damsels whom he dared not address.

 

　　The mammas sat in the alcove, supplying pins, smiles, and kindlywords to all, especially the awkward youths new to such scenes, andthe bashful girls conscious of faded muslins and cleaned gloves. Itwas pleasant to see stately Mrs Amy promenade on the arm of a tallcountry boy, with thick boots and a big forehead, or Mrs Jo dancelike a girl with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump-handles, andwhose face was scarlet with confusion and pride at the honour oftreading on the toes of the president's wife. Mrs Meg always hadroom on her sofa for two or three girls, and Mr Laurie devotedhimself to these plain, poorly dressed damsels with a kindly gracethat won their hearts and made them happy. The good Professorcirculated like refreshments, and his cheerful face shone on allalike, while Mr March discussed Greek comedy in the study with suchserious gentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to frivolousjoys.

 

　　The long music-room, parlour, hall, and piazza were full ofwhite-gowned maidens with attendant shadows; the air was full oflively voices, and hearts and feet went lightly together as the homeband played vigorously, and the friendly moon did her best to addenchantment 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, bumpingagainst his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop. On theseoccasions I find that I'm not as young as I was, nor as light offoot. In ten years more we shall be meal-bags, sister; so beresigned.' And Mrs Jo subsided into a corner, much dishevelled by herbenevolent exertions.

 

　　'I know I shall be stout; but you won't keep still long enough to getmuch flesh on your bones, dear; and Amy will always keep her lovelyfigure. She looks about eighteen tonight, in her white gown androses,' answered Meg, busily pinning up one sister's torn frills,while her eyes fondly followed the other's graceful movements; forMeg still adored Amy in the old fashion.

 

　　It was one of the family jokes that Jo was getting fat, and she keptit up, though as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline, whichwas very becoming. They were laughing over the impending doublechins, when Mr Laurie came off duty for a moment.

 

　　'Repairing damages as usual, Jo? You never could take a little gentleexercise without returning in rags. Come and have a quiet stroll withme and cool off before supper. I've a series of pretty tableaux toshow you while Meg listens to the raptures of lisping Miss Carr, whomI made happy by giving her Demi for a partner.'

 

　　As he spoke, Laurie led Jo to the music-room, nearly empty now aftera dance which sent the young people into garden and hall. Pausingbefore the first of the four long windows that opened on a very widepiazza, 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 theveranda roof among the vines; and roses, gathered by unseen hands,evidently appertaining to aforesaid legs, were being dropped into thelaps of several girls perched like a flock of white birds on therailing below; while a manly voice 'fell like a falling star', as itsung this pensive ditty to a most appreciative audience:

 

　　MARY'S DREAMThe moon had climbed the eastern hillWhich rises o'er the sands of Dee,And from its highest summit shedA 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 raisedHer head, to see who there might be,And saw young Sandy, shivering standWith 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 daysWe 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 shoreWhere 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'llnever sink with such a buoyant spirit to keep him afloat throughlife,' said Mrs Jo, as the roses were tossed back with much applausewhen the song ended.

 

　　'Not he; and it's a blessing to be grateful for, isn't it? We moodypeople know its worth. Glad you like my first tableau. Come and seenumber two. Hope it isn't spoilt; it was very pretty just now. Thisis "Othello telling his adventures to Desdemona".'

 

　　The second window framed a very picturesque group of three. Mr Marchin an arm-chair, with Bess on a cushion at his feet, was listening toDan, who, leaning against a pillar, was talking with unusualanimation. The old man was in shadow, but little Desdemona waslooking up with the moonlight full upon her into young Othello'sface, quite absorbed in the story he was telling so well. The gaydrapery over Dan's shoulder, his dark colouring, and the gesture ofhis arm made the picture very striking, and both spectators enjoyedit 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 somany romantic girls. Afraid his "grand, gloomy, and peculiar" stylewill 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 thatsoft light!'

 

　　'Dear little Goldilocks looks well everywhere.' And with a backwardglance full of pride and fondness, Mrs Jo went on. But that scenereturned to her long afterward and her own prophetic words also.

 

　　Number three was a tragical tableau at first sight; and Mr Lauriestifled a laugh as he whispered 'The Wounded Knight', pointing to Tomwith his head enveloped in a large handkerchief, as he knelt beforeNan, who was extracting a thorn or splinter from the palm of his handwith great skill, to judge from the patient's blissful expression ofcountenance.

 

　　'Do I hurt you?' she asked, turning the hand to the moonlight for abetter view.

 

　　'Not a bit; dig away; I like it,' answered Tom, regardless of hisaching 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 toprolong 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 andkerosene 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 hernose in the cup of a tall lily for refreshment.

 

　　'Poor Tom, his fate is a hard one, and he's wasting his time! Doadvise him to quit philandering and go to work, Jo.'

 

　　'I have, Teddy, often; but it will take some great shock to make thatboy 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 onone foot, with the other extended, and both hands waving in the air.

 

　　Josie, with several young mates, was watching his contortions withdeep interest as they talked about 'little wings', 'gilded wiretwisted', and a 'cunning skull-cap'.

 

　　'This might be called "Mercury Trying to Fly",' said Mr Laurie, asthey 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 theywill 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!' criedthe girls, as Ted managed to maintain his equilibrium a moment byresting one toe on the trellis. Unfortunately this brought all hisweight on the other foot; the straw seat of the stool gave way, andthe flying Mercury came down with a crash, amid shrieks of laughterfrom the girls. Being accustomed to ground and lofty tumbling, hequickly recovered himself, and hopped gaily about, with one legthrough the stool as he improvised a classic jig.

 

　　'Thanks for four nice little pictures. You have given me an idea, andI think some time we will get up regular tableaux of this sort andmarch 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 MrsJo, as they strolled towards the room whence came the clash of glassand china, and glimpses of agitated black coats.

 

　　Let us follow the example of our old friends and stroll about amongthe young people, eavesdropping, so gathering up various littlethreads to help in the weaving of the story. George and Dolly were atsupper, and having served the ladies in their care stood in a cornerabsorbing nourishment of all kinds with a vain attempt to concealhearty 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 deservedhis name, and was a stout youth with a heavy eye and biliouscomplexion.

 

　　'Bad for boys, he says. Jove! wish he could see us at some of ourwines. Don't we just "splice the main brace" as Emil says,' answeredDolly, the dandy, carefully spreading a napkin over the glossyexpanse of shirt-front whereon a diamond stud shone like a lone star.

 

　　His stutter was nearly outgrown; but he, as well as George, spoke inthe tone of condescension, which, with the blase airs they assumed,made a very funny contrast to their youthful faces and foolishremarks. Good-hearted little fellows both, but top-heavy with thepride of being Sophs and the freedom that college life gave them.

 

　　'Little Jo is getting to be a deuced pretty girl, isn't she?' saidGeorge, with a long sigh of satisfaction as his first mouthful of icewent 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'vetried 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 steerany girl and dance down any fellow you please. Dancing's my forte.'

 

　　And Dolly glanced from his trim feet to his flashing gem with thedefiant air of a young turkey-cock on parade.

 

　　'Miss Grey is looking for you. Wants more grub. Just see if MissNelson's plate is empty, there's a good fellow. Can't eat ice in ahurry.' And George remained in his safe corner, while Dolly struggledthrough the crowd to do his duty, coming back in a fume, with asplash of salad dressing on his coat-cuff.

 

　　'Confound these country chaps! they go blundering round like so manydor-bugs, and make a deuce of a mess. Better stick to books and nottry to be society men. Can't do it. Beastly stain. Give it a rub, andlet 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 anda bit of cake, and eat it prettily. Don't like to see a girl feed. Wehard-working men need it, and, by Jove, I mean to get some more ofthat meringue if it's not all gone. Here, waiter! bring along thatdish over there, and be lively,' commanded Stuffy, poking a young manin a rather shabby dress-suit, who was passing with a tray ofglasses.

 

　　His order was obeyed promptly; but George's appetite was taken awaythe next moment by Dolly's exclaiming, as he looked up from hisdamaged coat, with a scandalized face:

 

　　'You've put your foot in it now, old boy! that's Morton, Mr Bhaer'scrack man. Knows everything, no end of a "dig", and bound to carryoff all the honours. You won't hear the last of it in a hurry.' AndDolly laughed so heartily that a spoonful of ice flew upon the headof a lady sitting below him, and got him into a scrape also.

 

　　Leaving them to their despair, let us listen to the whispered chat oftwo girls comfortably seated in a recess waiting till their escortswere 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 unusedto this sort of pleasure.

 

　　'Very much, only I never feel as if I was dressed right. My thingsseemed elegant at home, and I thought I'd be over over-dressed ifanything; but I look countrified and dowdy here. No time or money tochange now, even if I knew how to do it,' answered the other,glancing anxiously at her bright pink silk grown, trimmed with cheaplace.

 

　　'You must get Mrs Brooke to tell you how to fix your things. She wasvery kind to me. I had a green silk, and it looked so cheap andhorrid by the side of the nice dresses here I felt regularly unhappyabout it, and asked her how much a dress like one Mrs Laurence hadwould cost. That looked so simple and elegant I thought it wouldn'tbe costly; but it was India mull and Valenciennes lace, so, ofcourse, I couldn't have it. Then Mrs Brooke said: "Get some muslin tocover the green silk, and wear hops or some white flowers, instead ofpink, in your hair, and you will have a pretty suit." Isn't it lovelyand becoming?' And Miss Burton surveyed herself with girlishsatisfaction; for a little taste had softened the harsh green, andhop-bells became her red hair better than roses.

 

　　'It's sweet: I've been admiring it. I'll do mine so and ask about mypurple one. Mrs Brooke has helped me to get rid of my headaches, andMary Clay's dyspepsia is all gone since she gave up coffee and hotbread.'

 

　　'Mrs Laurence advised me to walk and run and use the gymnasium tocure my round shoulders and open my chest, and I'm a much betterfigure than I was.'

 

　　'Did you know that Mr Laurence pays all Amelia Merrill's bills? Herfather 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 houseevenings to help them along so they can keep up with the rest; andMrs Bhaer took care of Charles Mackey herself when he had a feverlast year. I do think they are the best and kindest people in theworld.'

 

　　'So do I, and my time here will be the happiest and most useful yearsof my life.'

 

　　And both girls forgot their gowns and their suppers for a moment tolook with grateful, affectionate eyes at the friends who tried tocare for bodies and for souls as well as minds.

 

　　Now come to a lively party supping on the stairs, girls like foam atthe top, and a substratum of youths below, where the heaviestparticles always settle. Emil, who never sat if he could climb orperch, adorned the newel-post; Tom, Nat, Demi, and Dan were camped onthe steps, eating busily, as their ladies were well served and theyhad earned a moment's rest, which they enjoyed with their eyes fixedon the pleasing prospect above them.

 

　　'I'm so sorry the boys are going. It will be dreadfully dull withoutthem. Now they have stopped teasing and are polite, I really enjoythem,' said Nan, who felt unusually gracious tonight as Tom's mishapkept him from annoying her.

 

　　'So do I; and Bess was mourning about it today, though as a generalthing she doesn't like boys unless they are models of elegance. Shehas been doing Dan's head, and it is not quite finished. I never sawher so interested in any work, and it's very well done. He is sostriking and big he always makes me think of the Dying Gladiator orsome of those antique creatures. There's Bess now. Dear child, howsweet she looks tonight!' answered Daisy, waving her hand as thePrincess went by with Grandpa on her arm.

 

　　'I never thought he would turn out so well. Don't you remember how weused to call him "the bad boy" and be sure he would become a pirateor something awful because he glared at us and swore sometimes? Nowhe is the handsomest of all the boys, and very entertaining with hisstories and plans. I like him very much; he's so big and strong andindependent. I'm tired of mollycoddles and book-worms,' said Nan inher decided way.

 

　　'Not handsomer that Nat!' cried loyal Daisy, contrasting two facesbelow, one unusually gay, the other sentimentally sober even in theact of munching cake. 'I like Dan, and am glad he is doing well; buthe tires me, and I'm still a little afraid of him. Quiet people suitme best.'

 

　　'Life is a fight, and I like a good soldier. Boys take things tooeasily, 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 ofhimself just because he can't have what he wants, like a baby cryingfor the moon. I've no patience with such nonsense,' scolded Nan,looking down at the jovial Thomas, who was playfully puttingmacaroons in Emil's shoes, and trying to beguile his exile as best hecould.

 

　　'Most girls would be touched by such fidelity. I think it'sbeautiful,' said Daisy behind her fan; for other girls sat justbelow.

 

　　'You are a sentimental goose and not a judge. Nat will be twice theman 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 forthe good of these boys, and not pamper them up, making slaves ofourselves and tyrants of them. Let them prove what they can do and bebefore 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 overall our lives.'

 

　　'Hear, hear!' cried Alice Heath, who was a girl after Nan's ownheart, and had chosen a career, like a brave and sensible youngwoman. 'Only give us a chance, and have patience till we can do ourbest. Now we are expected to be as wise as men who have hadgenerations of all the help there is, and we scarcely anything. Letus have equal opportunities, and in a few generations we will seewhat the judgement is. I like justice, and we get very little of it.'

 

　　'Still shouting the battle-cry of freedom?' asked Demi, peeringthrough the banisters at this moment. 'Up with your flag! I'll standby 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 allemergencies; for you are an honest boy, and don't forget that you owemuch 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 allthe time by these great creatures? See them sick, as I do, then youknow them.'

 

　　'Don't hit us when we are down; be merciful, and set us up to blessand 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 saygenerous, only just. I went to a suffrage debate in the Legislaturelast winter; and of all the feeble, vulgar twaddle I ever heard, thatwas the worst; and those men were our representatives. I blushed forthem, and the wives and mothers. I want an intelligent man torepresent me, if I can't do it myself, not a fool.'

 

　　'Nan is on the stump. Now we shall catch it,' cried Tom, putting upan umbrella to shield his unhappy head; for Nan's earnest voice wasaudible, 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 hisJenkins air.

 

　　Daisy pinched his nose through the bars, and the meeting was rathertumultuous for a moment, for Emil called: 'Avast, avast, here's asquall to wind'ard'; Tom applauded wildly; Dan looked up as if theprospect of a fight, even with words, pleased him, and Nat went tosupport Demi, as his position seemed to be a good one. At thiscrisis, when everyone laughed and talked at once, Bess came floatingthrough the upper hall and looked down like an angel of peace uponthe noisy group below, as she asked, with wondering eyes and smilinglips:

 

　　'What is it?'

 

　　'An indignation meeting. Nan and Alice are on the rampage, and we areat the bar to be tried for our lives. Will Your Highness preside andjudge between us?' answered Demi, as a lull at once took place; forno one rioted in the presence of the Princess.

 

　　'I'm not wise enough. I'll sit here and listen. Please go on.' AndBess took her place above them all as cool and calm as a littlestatue of Justice, with fan and nosegay in place of sword and scales.

 

　　'Now, ladies, free your minds, only spare us till morning; for we'vegot a german to dance as soon as everyone is fed, and Parnassusexpects every man to do his duty. Mrs President Giddy-gaddy has thefloor,' said Demi, who liked this sort of fun better than the verymild sort of flirtation which was allowed at Plumfield, for thesimple reason that it could not be entirely banished, and is a partof 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. 'Iwant 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 isours and we are proud of him. So is Rob. Ted is a weathercock, andDolly and George, of course, are fogies in spite of the Annex, andgirls at Girton going ahead of the men. Commodore, are you ready forthe 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 girlsany time you say so. Aren't they worse than a press-gang to carry afellow out of his moorings? Don't we all need one as pilot to steerus safe to port? and why shouldn't they share our mess afloat andashore since we are sure to be wrecked without 'em?'

 

　　'Good for you, Emil! Nan will take you for first mate after thathandsome speech,' said Demi, as the girls applauded, and Tomglowered. 'Now, Dan, you love liberty so well yourself, are youwilling we should have it?'

 

　　'All you can get, and I'll fight any man who's mean enough to say youdon't deserve it.'

 

　　This brief and forcible reply delighted the energetic President, andshe 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 wetake the field, and not be one of those who wait till the battle iswon, and then beat the drums and share the glory.'

 

　　Mrs Giddy-gaddy's doubts were most effectually removed, and her sharpspeech regretted, as Nat looked up blushing, but with a new sort ofmanliness in face and manner, saying, in a tone that touched themall:

 

　　'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 Iowe 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 realfeeling made his little speech eloquent.

 

　　'Thomas B. Bangs, come into court, and tell the truth, the wholetruth, and nothing but the truth, if you can,' commanded Nan, with arap to call the meeting to order.

 

　　Tom shut the umbrella, and standing up raised his hand, sayingsolemnly:

 

　　'I believe in suffrage of all kinds. I adore all women, and will diefor 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 worthhaving. Cheap sentiment and bad logic. You will pass, Tom, only don'ttwaddle. Now, having taken the sense of the meeting we will adjourn,as the hour for festive gymnastics has arrived. I am glad to see thatold Plum has given six true men to the world, and hope they willcontinue 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 girlswent to enjoy one of the few rights allowed them.