At last he would stalk majestically forth , imprisoned in collars compared to which those worn by Dickens 's afflicted Biler were trifles not worth mentioning . The dresscoat was a little loose in the shoulders , but allowed a noble expanse of glossy bosom to be seen , and with a delicate handkerchief negligently drooping at the proper angle , had a truly fine effect . Boots that shone , and likewise pinched , appeared at one end of the ` long , black clothes-pin ' -- as Josie called him -- and a youthful but solemn face at the other , carried at an angle which , if long continued , would have resulted in spinal curvature . Light gloves , a cane , and -- oh , bitter drop in the cup of joy ! -- an ignominious straw hat , not to mention a choice floweret in the buttonhole , and a festoon of watchguard below , finished off this impressive boy . ` How 's that for style ? ' he asked , appearing to his mother and cousins whom he was to escort to the hall on this particular occasion . A shout of laughter greeted him , followed by exclamations of horror ; for he had artfully added the little blond moustache he often wore when acting . It was very becoming , and seemed the only balm to heal the wound made by the loss of the beloved hat . ` Take it off this moment , you audacious boy ! What would your father say to such a prank on this day when we must all behave our best ? ' said Mrs Jo , trying to frown , but privately thinking that among the many youths about her none were so beautiful and original as her long son . ` Let him wear it , Aunty ; it 's so becoming . No one will ever guess he is n't eighteen at least , ' cried Josie , to whom disguise of any sort was always charming . ` Father wo n't observe it ; he 'll be absorbed in his big-wigs and the girls . No matter if he does , he 'll enjoy the joke and introduce me as his oldest son . Rob is nowhere when I 'm in full fig ' ; and Ted took the stage with a tragic stalk , like Hamlet in a tail-coat and choker . ` My son , obey me ! ' and when Mrs Jo spoke in that tone her word was law . Later , however , the moustache appeared , and many strangers firmly believed that there were three young Bhaers .
So XXXXX found one ray of joy to light his gloom .
Bhaers Dickens Father Josie Ted dresscoat floweret tail-coat trifles watchguard