I 'm too busy `` to gallivant '' , as Ted calls it . How is the boy ? ' asked Dan , skilfully turning the conversation , as if he had had enough of sentiment . Mrs Jo was off at once , and expatiated upon the talents and virtues of her sons till they came bursting in and fell upon Dan like two affectionate young bears , finding a vent for their joyful emotions in a sort of friendly wrestling-match ; in which both got worsted , of course , for the hunter soon settled them . The Professor followed , and tongues went like mill-clappers while Mary lighted up and cook devoted herself to an unusually good supper , instinctively divining that 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 , his lungs seeming to need more than those of civilized people . In one of these trips he saw a white figure framed in the dark doorway , and paused to look at it . Bess paused also , not recognizing her old friend , and quite unconscious of the pretty picture she made standing , tall and slender , against the soft gloom of the summer night , with her golden hair like a halo round her head , and the ends of a white shawl blown out like wings by the cool wind sweeping through the hail . ` Is it Dan ? ' she asked , coming in with a gracious smile and outstretched hand . ` Looks like it ; but I did n't know you , Princess . I thought it was a spirit , ' answered Dan , looking down at her with a curious softness and wonder in his face . ` I 've grown very much , but two years have changed you entirely ' ; and Bess looked up with girlish pleasure at the picturesque figure before her -- for it was a decided contrast to the well-dressed people about her . Before they could say more , Josie rushed in , and , forgetfull of the newly acquired dignity of her teens , let Dan catch her up and kiss her like a child . Not till he set her down did he discover she also was changed , and exclaimed in comic dismay : ` Hallo ! Why , you are growing up too ! What am I going to do , with no young one to play with ? Here 's Ted going it like a beanstalk , and Bess a young lady , and even you , my mustard-seed , letting down your frocks 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 pretty contrast , these two young cousins -- one as fair as a lily , the other a little wild rose .
And XXXXX gave a nod of satisfaction as he surveyed them ; for he had seen many bonny girls in his travels , and was glad that these old friends were blooming so beautifully .
Bess Dan Josie Mary Princess Ted forgetfull frocks mustard-seed years