Kitty and Minnie Kirke likewise regard him with affection , and tell all sorts of stories about the plays he invents , the presents he brings , and the splendid tales he tells . The younger men quiz him , it seems , call him Old Fritz , Lager Beer , Ursa Major , and make all manner of jokes on his name . But he enjoys it like a boy , Mrs. Kirke says , and takes it so good-naturedly that they all like him in spite of his foreign ways . The maiden lady is a Miss Norton , rich , cultivated , and kind . She spoke to me at dinner today -LRB- for I went to table again , it 's such fun to watch people -RRB- , and asked me to come and see her at her room . She has fine books and pictures , knows interesting persons , and seems friendly , so I shall make myself agreeable , for I do want to get into good society , only it is n't the same sort that Amy likes . I was in our parlor last evening when Mr. Bhaer came in with some newspapers for Mrs. Kirke . She was n't there , but Minnie , who is a little old woman , introduced me very prettily . `` This is Mamma 's friend , Miss March . '' `` Yes , and she 's jolly and we like her lots , '' added Kitty , who is an ` enfant terrible ' . We both bowed , and then we laughed , for the prim introduction and the blunt addition were rather a comical contrast . `` Ah , yes , I hear these naughty ones go to vex you , Mees Marsch . If so again , call at me and I come , '' he said , with a threatening frown that delighted the little wretches . I promised I would , and he departed , but it seems as if I was doomed to see a good deal of him , for today as I passed his door on my way out , by accident I knocked against it with my umbrella . It flew open , and there he stood in his dressing gown , with a big blue sock on one hand and a darning needle in the other . He did n't seem at all ashamed of it , for when I explained and hurried on , he waved his hand , sock and all , saying in his loud , cheerful way ... `` You haf a fine day to make your walk . Bon voyage , Mademoiselle . '' I laughed all the way downstairs , but it was a little pathetic , also to think of the poor man having to mend his own clothes . The German gentlemen embroider , I know , but darning hose is another thing and not so pretty . Saturday Nothing has happened to write about , except a call on Miss Norton , who has a room full of pretty things , and who was very charming , for she showed me all her treasures , and asked me if I would sometimes go with her to lectures and concerts , as her escort , if I enjoyed them .
She put it as a favor , but I 'm sure Mrs. XXXXX has told her about us , and she does it out of kindness to me .
Bhaer German Kirke Kitty Lager Mademoiselle Major Norton accident wretches