as it has begun, I shall soon feel like Dr. Blimber with his model
young gentlemen,” said Professor, laughing, as he saw Tommy not
only remove his own hat, but knock off Ned’s also, as they entered
the hall where the Princess was taking a ride on the rocking-horse,
attended by Rob and Teddy astride of chairs, and playing gallant
knights to the best of their ability.
“You will never be a Blimber, Fritz, you couldn’t do it if you tried;
and our boys will never submit to the forcing process of that
famous hot-bed. No fear that they will be too elegant: American
boys like liberty too well. But good manners they cannot fail to
have, if we give them the kindly spirit that shines through the
simplest demeanor, making it courteous and cordial, like yours,
my dear old boy.”
“Tut! tut! we will not compliment; for if I begin you will run away,
and I have a wish to enjoy this happy half hour to the end;” yet Mr.
Bhaer looked pleased with the compliment, for it was true, and
Mrs. Jo felt that she had received the best her husband could give
her, by saying that he found his truest rest and happiness in her
society.
“To return to the children: I have just had another proof of
Goldilocks’ good influence,” said Mrs. Jo, drawing her chair nearer
the sofa, where the Professor lay resting after a long day’s work in
his various gardens. “Nan hates sewing, but for love of Bess has
been toiling half the afternoon over a remarkable bag in which to
present a dozen of our love-apples to her idol when she goes. I
praised her for it, and she said, in her quick way, ‘I like to sew for
other people; it is stupid sewing for myself.’ I took the hint, and
shall give her some little shirts and aprons for Mrs. Carney’s
children. She is so generous, she will sew her fingers sore for
them, and I shall not have to make a task of it.”
“But needlework is not a fashionable accomplishment, my dear.”
“Sorry for it. My girls shall learn all I can teach them about it, even
if they give up the Latin, Algebra, and half-a-dozen ologies it is
considered necessary for girls to muddle their poor brains over
now-a-days. Amy means to make Bess an accomplished woman,
but the dear’s mite of a forefinger has little pricks on it already,
and her mother has several specimens of needlework which she
values more than the clay bird without a bill, that filled Laurie
with such pride when Bess made it.”
“I also have proof of the Princess’s power,” said Mrs. Bhaer, after
he had watched Mrs. Jo sew on a button with an air of scorn for
the whole system of fashionable education. “Jack is so unwilling to
be classed with Stuffy and Ned, as distasteful to Bess, that he came
to me a little while ago, and asked me to touch his warts with
caustic. I have often proposed it, and he never would consent; but
now he bore the smart manfully, and consoles his present
discomfort by hopes of future favor, when he can show her
fastidious ladyship a smooth hand.”
Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the story, and just then Stuffy came in to ask
if he might give Goldilocks some of the bonbons his mother had
sent him.
“She is not allowed to eat sweeties; but if you like to give her the
pretty box with the pink sugar-rose in it, she would like it very
much,” said Mrs. Jo, unwilling to spoil this unusual piece of
self-denial, for the “fat boy” seldom offered to share his
sugar-plums.
“Won’t she eat it? I shouldn’t like to make her sick,” said Stuffy,
eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly, yet putting it into the box.
“Oh, no, she won’t touch it, if I tell her it is to look at, not to eat.
She will keep it for weeks, and never think of tasting it. Can you
do as much?”
“I should hope so! I’m ever so much older than she is,” cried
Stuffy, indignantly.
“Well, suppose we try. Here, put your bonbons in this bag, and see