Mrs Jo often thought that Dan had Indian blood in him, not onlybecause of his love of a wild, wandering life, but his appearance;for as he grew up, this became more striking. At twenty-five he wasvery tall, with sinewy1 limbs, a keen, dark face, and the alert lookof one whose senses were all alive; rough in manner, full of energy,quick with word and blow, eyes full of the old fire, always watchfulas if used to keep guard, and a general air of vigour2 and freshnessvery charming to those who knew the dangers and delights of hisadventurous life. He was looking his best as he sat talking with'Mother Bhaer', one strong brown hand in hers, and a world ofaffection 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 Ididn't stop to fix up, you see; though I knew you'd think I lookedmore like a wild buffalo5 than ever,' with a shake of his shaggy blackhead, a tug6 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 Ted7 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 prudent8 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 sage9 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.
'My dear boy, when I was a girl I liked just such adventurous3 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 cargo11.'
'What should you say if I brought you an Indian squaw some day?'
asked Dan, with a glimmer12 of mischief13 in the eyes that rested on amarble bust14 of Galatea gleaming white and lovely in the corner.
'Welcome her heartily15, if she was a good one. Is there a prospect16 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, skilfully17 turning the conversation,as if he had had enough of sentiment.
Mrs Jo was off at once, and expatiated18 upon the talents and virtuesof her sons till they came bursting in and fell upon Dan like twoaffectionate young bears, finding a vent4 for their joyful19 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, instinctively20 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 civilized21 people. In one ofthese trips he saw a white figure framed in the dark doorway22, 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 picturesque24 figure beforeher--for it was a decided25 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 jigs26 and sings sailorsongs just as he used to. You look about thirty, and as big and blackas a villain27 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 eruption28. 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 deluge29 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 suspense30 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 prospects31 of their wildboy.
'Of course you will want to go back for another stroke of luck; and Ihope you will have it. But speculation32 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.
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 wholesome34 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 swarm35 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, beholding36 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 prosaic37 pumpkins38 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, 'specially39 young and pretty ones,' put in Tom, whowas raging with jealousy40, because he read admiration41 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, yearning42 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. Peg43 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 conspicuous44 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 illustrate45 it.
Tom retired46 to the alcove47 and glowered48 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 glum49 expression proper to the business. Don'tforget him, Dan,' said Ted, directing attention to the blighted50 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, smallpox51, and cholera52 that arrive; then Nan will behappy and her mistakes won't matter much with emigrants53 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 ardent54 thirst for philosophy. Everything from theEast is welcomed hospitably55, and new enterprises would flourish insuch kindly56 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 awfully57; 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 lingo58, 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 manly59 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 plunged60 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 Hawk61 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 spoke62 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 prospecting63, and hand it back when you areready to invest, shall I?' asked Mr Laurie, who had learned wisdomsince the days of his own extravagant64 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!
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 yarns66 todazzle the land-lubbers and home-keepers.
After this addition the house would not contain the gay youngsters,so they migrated to the piazza67 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 scattered68, 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 cherub69 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 thoroughly70 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 bided71 hertime, studying him meanwhile, glad to see all that was promising72, 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 contented73 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 fret74, 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 peculiar75 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 trump76!' 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 horrid77 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 hatchet78.
'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 gusty79 sigh from Tom made sentimentimpossible, as he said pensively80:
'I always wanted to be a twin. It's so sociable81 and so cosy82 to havesomeone glad to lean on a fellow and comfort him, if other girls arecruel.'
As Tom's unrequited passion was the standing23 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 lobster83 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.'
'"Who can minister to a mind diseased, or pluck out a rooted sorrow?"quoted Josie tragically85 from her perch86 on the railing.
'Come with me, Tommy, and I'll make a man of you. Drop your pills andpowders, and cavort87 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 seasickness88 will set you up, and astiff north-easter blow your blue-devils away. Come along assurgeon--easy berth89, and no end of larks90.'
'"And if your Nancy frowns, my lad,And scorns a jacket blue,Just hoist91 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 jingle92 ofteaspoons suggested refreshments93 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 chastised94 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 curbing95 the pangs96 of hunger, he gave the plate toDaisy, and chewed rose-leaves for his supper.
When a surprising quantity of wholesome nourishment97 had beenconsumed, someone said, 'Let's sing!' and a tuneful hour followed.
Nat fiddled98, Demi piped, Dan strummed the old banjo, and Emil warbleda doleful ballad99 about the wreck100 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.
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sinewy
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| adj.多腱的，强壮有力的 | |
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vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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tug
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| v.用力拖(或拉)；苦干；n.拖；苦干；拖船 | |
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ted
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| vt.翻晒，撒，撒开 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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10
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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12
glimmer
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| v.发出闪烁的微光；n.微光，微弱的闪光 | |
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13
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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15
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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16
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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17
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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expatiated
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| v.详述，细说( expatiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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19
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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20
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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21
civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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22
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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23
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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25
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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26
jigs
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| n.快步舞（曲）极快地( jig的名词复数 )；夹具v.（使）上下急动( jig的第三人称单数 ) | |
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27
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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28
eruption
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| n.火山爆发；（战争等）爆发；（疾病等）发作 | |
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29
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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30
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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31
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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32
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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33
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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34
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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35
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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36
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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prosaic
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| adj.单调的，无趣的 | |
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38
pumpkins
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| n.南瓜( pumpkin的名词复数 )；南瓜的果肉，南瓜囊 | |
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39
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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40
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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41
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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42
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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43
peg
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| n.木栓，木钉；vt.用木钉钉，用短桩固定 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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45
illustrate
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| v.举例说明，阐明；图解，加插图 | |
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46
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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47
alcove
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| n.凹室 | |
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48
glowered
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| v.怒视( glower的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
glum
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| adj.闷闷不乐的，阴郁的 | |
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50
blighted
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| adj.枯萎的，摧毁的 | |
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51
smallpox
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| n.天花 | |
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52
cholera
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| n.霍乱 | |
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53
emigrants
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| n.（从本国移往他国的）移民( emigrant的名词复数 ) | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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56
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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57
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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58
lingo
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| n.语言不知所云，外国话，隐语 | |
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59
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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60
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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61
hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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62
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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63
prospecting
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| n.探矿 | |
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64
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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65
grudged
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| 怀恨（grudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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66
yarns
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| n.纱( yarn的名词复数 )；纱线；奇闻漫谈；旅行轶事 | |
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67
piazza
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| n.广场；走廊 | |
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68
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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69
cherub
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| n.小天使，胖娃娃 | |
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70
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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71
bided
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| v.等待，停留( bide的过去式 )；居住；等待；面临 | |
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72
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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73
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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74
fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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75
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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76
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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77
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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78
hatchet
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| n.短柄小斧；v.扼杀 | |
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79
gusty
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| adj.起大风的 | |
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80
pensively
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| adv.沉思地，焦虑地 | |
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81
sociable
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| adj.好交际的，友好的，合群的 | |
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82
cosy
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| adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的 | |
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83
lobster
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| n.龙虾，龙虾肉 | |
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84
crunched
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| v.嘎吱嘎吱地咬嚼( crunch的过去式和过去分词 )；嘎吱作响；（快速大量地）处理信息；数字捣弄 | |
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85
tragically
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| adv. 悲剧地，悲惨地 | |
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86
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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87
cavort
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| v.腾跃 | |
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88
seasickness
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| n.晕船 | |
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89
berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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90
larks
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| n.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的名词复数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了v.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的第三人称单数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了 | |
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91
hoist
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| n.升高，起重机，推动；v.升起，升高，举起 | |
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92
jingle
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| n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵 | |
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93
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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94
chastised
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| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的过去式 ) | |
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95
curbing
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| n.边石，边石的材料v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的现在分词 ) | |
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96
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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97
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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98
fiddled
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| v.伪造( fiddle的过去式和过去分词 )；篡改；骗取；修理或稍作改动 | |
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99
ballad
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| n.歌谣，民谣，流行爱情歌曲 | |
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100
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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