The oldest girl saw it , guessed the truth , and a quick look at the woman in the apron confirmed her suspicion . Touching her mother , she whispered : ` Ma , it 's Mrs Bhaer herself . I know it is . ' ` No ? yes ? it is ! Well , I do declare , how nice that is ! ' And hastily pursuing the unhappy woman , who was making for the door , Mrs Parmalee cried eagerly : ` Do n't mind us ! I know you 're busy , but just let me take your hand and then we 'll go . ' Giving herself up for lost , Mrs Jo turned and presented her hand like a tea-tray , submitting to have it heartily shaken , as the matron said , with somewhat alarming hospitality : ` If ever you come to Oshkosh , your feet wo n't be allowed to touch the pavement ; for you 'll be borne in the arms of the populace , we shall be so dreadful glad to see you . ' Mentally resolving never to visit that effusive town , Jo responded as cordially as she could ; and having written her name in the albums , provided each visitor with a memento , and kissed them all round , they at last departed , to call on ` Longfeller , Holmes , and the rest ' -- who were all out , it is devoutly to be hoped . ` You villain , why did n't you give me a chance to whip away ? Oh , my dear , what fibs you told that man ! I hope we shall be forgiven our sins in this line , but I do n't know what is to become of us if we do n't dodge . So many against one is n't fair play . ' And Mrs Jo hung up her apron in the hall closet , with a groan at the trials of her lot . ` More people coming up the avenue ! Better dodge while the coast is clear ! I 'll head them off ! ' cried Teddy , looking back from the steps , as he was departing to school .
Mrs XXXXX flew upstairs , and having locked her door , calmly viewed a young ladies ' seminary camp on the lawn , and being denied the house , proceed to enjoy themselves by picking the flowers , doing up their hair , eating lunch , and freely expressing their opinion of the place and its possessors before they went .
Bhaer Holmes Jo Longfeller Oshkosh Parmalee avenue feet fibs tea-tray