`` You did ! '' `` It is n't proper to contradict , '' said Nan , who was hastily eating up the jelly during the fray . `` Give them back , Demi , '' said Tommy . `` That 's a fib , you 've got them in your own pocket , '' bawled Demi , roused by the false accusation . `` Let 's take 'em away from him . It 's too bad to make Daisy cry , '' suggested Nat , who found his first ball more exciting than he expected . Daisy was already weeping , Bess like a devoted servant mingled her tears with those of her mistress , and Nan denounced the entire race of boys as `` plaguey things . '' Meanwhile the battle raged among the gentlemen , for , when the two defenders of innocence fell upon the foe , that hardened youth intrenched himself behind a table and pelted them with the stolen tarts , which were very effective missiles , being nearly as hard as bullets . While his ammunition held out the besieged prospered , but the moment the last patty flew over the parapet , the villain was seized , dragged howling from the room , and cast upon the hall floor in an ignominious heap . The conquerors then returned flushed with victory , and while Demi consoled poor Mrs. Smith , Nat and Nan collected the scattered tarts , replaced each raisin in its proper bed , and rearranged the dish so that it really looked almost as well as ever . But their glory had departed , for the sugar was gone , and no one cared to eat them after the insult offered to them . `` I guess we had better go , '' said Demi , suddenly , as Aunt Jo 's voice was heard on the stairs . `` P ` r ` aps we had , '' and Nat hastily dropped a stray jumble that he had just picked up . But Mrs. Jo was among them before the retreat was accomplished , and into her sympathetic ear the young ladies poured the story of their woes . `` No more balls for these boys till they have atoned for this bad behavior by doing something kind to you , '' said Mrs. Jo , shaking her head at the three culprits . `` We were only in fun , '' began Demi . `` I do n't like fun that makes other people unhappy . I am disappointed in you , Demi , for I hoped you would never learn to tease Daisy . Such a kind little sister as she is to you . '' `` Boys always tease their sisters ; Tom says so , '' muttered Demi .
`` I do n't intend that my boys shall , and I must send XXXXX home if you can not play happily together , '' said Aunt Jo , soberly .
Bess Daisy Demi Jo Nan Nat Tommy fib first tarts