There was an accent of reproach in his mother 's voice , which made Demi pick up his sister with a gentle shake , and the stern command to ` drop that nonsense in public ' . ` Drop me , Minion , or I 'll give you the Maniac Bride , with my best Ha-ha ! ' cried Josie , glaring at him like an offended kitten . Being set on her feet , she made a splendid courtesy , and dramatically proclaiming , ` Mrs Woffington 's carriage waits , ' swept down the steps and round the corner , trailing Daisy 's scarlet shawl majestically behind her . ` Is n't she great fun ? I could n't stop in this dull place if I had n't that child to make it lively for me . If ever she turns prim , I 'm off ; so mind how you nip her in the bud , ' said Teddy , frowning at Demi , who was now writing out shorthand notes on the steps . ` You two are a team , and it takes a strong hand to drive you , but I rather like it . Josie ought to have been my child , and Rob yours , Meg . Then your house would have been all peace and mine all Bedlam . Now I must go and tell Laurie the news . Come with me , Meg , a little stroll will do us good ' ; and sticking Ted 's straw hat on her head , Mrs Jo walked off with her sister , leaving Daisy to attend to the muffins , Ted to appease Josie , and Tom and Nan to give their respective patients a very bad quarter of an hour . Chapter 2 . PARNASSUS It was well named ; and the Muses seemed to be at home that day , for as the newcomers went up the slope appropriate sights and sounds greeted them . Passing an open window , they looked in upon a library presided over by Clio , Calliope , and Urania ; Melpomene and Thalia were disporting themselves in the hall , where some young people were dancing and rehearsing a play ; Erato was walking in the garden with her lover , and in the music-room Phoebus himself was drilling a tuneful choir . A mature Apollo was our old friend Laurie , but comely and genial as ever ; for time had ripened the freakish boy into a noble man . Care and sorrow , as well as ease and happiness , had done much for him ; and the responsibility of carrying out his grandfather 's wishes had been a duty most faithfully performed . Prosperity suits some people , and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine ; others need the shade , and are the sweeter for a touch of frost . Laurie was one of the former sort , and Amy was another ; so life had been a kind of poem to them since they married -- not only harmonious and happy , but earnest , useful , and rich in the beautiful benevolence which can do so much when wealth and wisdom go hand in hand with charity . Their house was full of unostentatious beauty and comfort , and here the art-loving host and hostess attracted and entertained artists of all kinds .
XXXXX had music enough now , and was a generous patron to the class he most liked to help .
Amy Demi Erato Ha-ha Laurie Minion Phoebus Tom day hour