Rosy , breathless , and merry , they greeted the ladies and sat down on the steps to rest , Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter 's rags while Mrs Jo smoothed the Lion 's mane , and rescued the book . Daisy appeared in a moment to greet her friend , and all began to talk . ` Muffins for tea ; better stay and eat 'em ; Daisy 's never fail , ' said Ted hospitably . ` He 's a judge ; he ate nine last time . That 's why he 's so fat , ' added Josie , with a withering glance at her cousin , who was as thin as a lath . ' I must go and see Lucy Dove . She has a whitlow , and it 's time to lance it . I 'll tea at college , ' answered Nan , feeling in her pocket to be sure she had not forgotten her case of instruments . ` Thanks , I 'm going there also . Tom Merryweather has granulated lids , and I promised to touch them up for him . Save a doctor 's fee and be good practice for me . I 'm clumsy with my thumbs , ' said Tom , bound to be near his idol while he could . ` Hush ! Daisy does n't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work . Muffins suit us better ' ; and Ted grinned sweetly , with a view to future favours in the eating line . ` Any news of the Commodore ? ' asked Tom . ` He is on his way home , and Dan hopes to come soon . I long to see my boys together , and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving , if not before , ' answered Mrs Jo , beaming at the thought . ` They 'll come , every man of them , if they can .
Even Jack will risk losing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners , ' laughed XXXXX .
Daisy Dove Jo Merryweather Nan Ted Tom favours mane whitlow