`` You 'll belong to the band if you play good . See if you do n't . '' `` Do you have a band here ? '' Nat 's eyes sparkled . `` Guess we do ; a jolly band , all boys ; and they have concerts and things . You just see what happens to-morrow night . '' After this pleasantly exciting remark , Tommy returned to his supper , and Nat sank into a blissful reverie over his full plate . Mrs. Bhaer had heard all they said , while apparently absorbed in filling mugs , and overseeing little Ted , who was so sleepy that he put his spoon in his eye , nodded like a rosy poppy , and finally fell fast asleep , with his cheek pillowed on a soft bun . Mrs. Bhaer had put Nat next to Tommy , because that roly-poly boy had a frank and social way with him , very attractive to shy persons . Nat felt this , and had made several small confidences during supper , which gave Mrs. Bhaer the key to the new boy 's character , better than if she had talked to him herself . In the letter which Mr. Laurence had sent with Nat , he had said : `` DEAR JO : Here is a case after your own heart . This poor lad is an orphan now , sick and friendless . He has been a street-musician ; and I found him in a cellar , mourning for his dead father , and his lost violin . I think there is something in him , and have a fancy that between us we may give this little man a lift . You cure his overtasked body , Fritz help his neglected mind , and when he is ready I 'll see if he is a genius or only a boy with a talent which may earn his bread for him . Give him a trial , for the sake of your own boy , `` TEDDY . '' `` Of course we will ! '' cried Mrs. Bhaer , as she read the letter ; and when she saw Nat she felt at once that , whether he was a genius or not , here was a lonely , sick boy who needed just what she loved to give , a home and motherly care . Both she and Mr. Bhaer observed him quietly ; and in spite of ragged clothes , awkward manners , and a dirty face , they saw much about Nat that pleased them . He was a thin , pale boy , of twelve , with blue eyes , and a good forehead under the rough , neglected hair ; an anxious , scared face , at times , as if he expected hard words , or blows ; and a sensitive mouth that trembled when a kind glance fell on him ; while a gentle speech called up a look of gratitude , very sweet to see .
`` Bless the poor dear , he shall fiddle all day long if he likes , '' said Mrs. Bhaer to herself , as she saw the eager , happy expression on his face when XXXXX talked of the band .
Bhaer Fritz Laurence Nat TEDDY Ted Tommy course night orphan