The music was excellent , and well it might be when Apollo waved the baton . The poems were -- as usual on such occasions -- of varied excellence , as the youthful speakers tried to put old truths into new words , and made them forceful by the enthusiasm of their earnest faces and fresh voices . It was beautiful to see the eager interest with which the girls listened to some brilliant brother-student , and applauded him with a rustle as of wind over a bed of flowers . It was still more significant and pleasant to watch the young men 's faces when a slender white figure stood out against the background of black-coated dignitaries , and with cheeks that flushed and paled , and lips that trembled till earnest purpose conquered maiden fear , spoke to them straight out of a woman 's heart and brain concerning the hopes and doubts , the aspirations and rewards all must know , desire , and labour for . This clear , sweet voice seemed to reach and rouse all that was noblest in the souls of these youths , and to set a seal upon the years of comradeship which made them sacred and memorable for ever . Alice Heath 's oration was unanimously pronounced the success of the day ; for without being flowery or sentimental , as is too apt to be the case with these first efforts of youthful orators , it was earnest , sensible , and so inspiring that she left the stage in a storm of applause , the good fellows being as much fired by her stirring appeal to ` march shoulder to shoulder ' , as if she had chanted the ` Marseillaise ' then and there . One young man was so excited that he nearly rushed out of his seat to receive her as she hastened to hide herself among her mates , who welcomed her with faces full of tender pride and tearful eye . A prudent sister detained him , however , and in a moment he was able to listen with composure to the President 's remarks . They were worth listening to , for Mr Bhaer spoke like a father to the children whom he was dismissing to the battle of life ; and his tender , wise , and helpful words lingered in their hearts long after the praise was forgotten . Then came other exercises peculiar to Plumfield , and the end . Why the roof did not fly off when the sturdy lungs of the excited young men pealed out the closing hymn will for ever be a mystery ; but it remained firm , and only the fading garlands vibrated as the waves of music rolled up and died away , leaving sweet echoes to haunt the place for another year . Dinners and spreads consumed the afternoon , and at sunset came a slight lull as everyone sought some brief repose before the festivities of the evening began . The President 's reception was one of the enjoyable things in store , also dancing on Parnassus , and as much strolling , singing , and flirting , as could be compressed into a few hours by youths and maidens just out of school . Carriages were rolling about , and gay groups on piazzas , lawns , and window-seats idly speculated as to who the distinguished guests might be . The appearance of a very dusty vehicle loaded with trunks at Mr Bhaer 's hospitably open door caused much curious comment among the loungers , especially as two rather foreign-looking gentlemen sprang out , followed by two young ladies , all four being greeted with cries of joy and much embracing by the Bhaers . Then they all disappeared into the house , the luggage followed , and the watchers were left to wonder who the mysterious strangers were , till a fair collegian declared that they must be the Professor 's nephews , one of whom was expected on his wedding journey . She was right ; Franz proudly presented his blonde and buxom bride , and she was hardly kissed and blessed when Emil led up his bonny English Mary , with the rapturous announcement : ` Uncle , Aunt Jo , here 's another daughter ! Have you room for my wife , too ? ' There could be no doubt of that ; and Mary was with difficulty rescued from the glad embraces of her new relatives , who , remembering all the young pair had suffered together , felt that this was the natural and happy ending of the long voyage so perilously begun . ` But why not tell us , and let us be ready for two brides instead of one ? '
asked Mrs XXXXX , looking as usual rather demoralizing in a wrapper and crimping-pins , having rushed down from her chamber , where she was preparing for the labours of the evening .
Bhaer Emil Franz Heath Jo Mary collegian labour left storm