`` Dis is mine effalunt ! '' added Tina , holding on by the Professor 's hair . `` Mamma always allows us to do what we like Saturday afternoon , when Franz and Emil come , does n't she , Mr. Bhaer ? '' said Minnie . The ` effalunt ' sat up , looking as much in earnest as any of them , and said soberly to me , `` I gif you my wort it is so , if we make too large a noise you shall say Hush ! to us , and we go more softly . '' I promised to do so , but left the door open and enjoyed the fun as much as they did , for a more glorious frolic I never witnessed . They played tag and soldiers , danced and sang , and when it began to grow dark they all piled onto the sofa about the Professor , while he told charming fairy stories of the storks on the chimney tops , and the little ` koblods ' , who ride the snowflakes as they fall . I wish Americans were as simple and natural as Germans , do n't you ? I 'm so fond of writing , I should go spinning on forever if motives of economy did n't stop me , for though I 've used thin paper and written fine , I tremble to think of the stamps this long letter will need . Pray forward Amy 's as soon as you can spare them . My small news will sound very flat after her splendors , but you will like them , I know . Is Teddy studying so hard that he ca n't find time to write to his friends ? Take good care of him for me , Beth , and tell me all about the babies , and give heaps of love to everyone . From your faithful Jo . P.S. On reading over my letter , it strikes me as rather Bhaery , but I am always interested in odd people , and I really had nothing else to write about . Bless you ! DECEMBER My Precious Betsey , As this is to be a scribble-scrabble letter , I direct it to you , for it may amuse you , and give you some idea of my goings on , for though quiet , they are rather amusing , for which , oh , be joyful ! After what Amy would call Herculaneum efforts , in the way of mental and moral agriculture , my young ideas begin to shoot and my little twigs to bend as I could wish . They are not so interesting to me as Tina and the boys , but I do my duty by them , and they are fond of me .
XXXXX and Emil are jolly little lads , quite after my own heart , for the mixture of German and American spirit in them produces a constant state of effervescence .
Amy Betsey Dis Emil Franz afternoon effalunt fall koblods storks