said Nan , abruptly changing the conversation again . ` It is a fine house ; but I love old Plum best . Would n't Aunt March stare if she could see the changes here ? ' answered Tom , as they both paused at the great gate to look at the pleasant landscape before them . A sudden whoop startled them , as a long boy with a wild yellow head came leaping over a hedge like a kangaroo , followed by a slender girl , who stuck in the hawthorn , and sat there laughing like a witch . A pretty little lass she was , with curly dark hair , bright eyes , and a very expressive face . Her hat was at her back , and her skirts a good deal the worse for the brooks she had crossed , the trees she had climbed , and the last leap , which added several fine rents . ` Take me down , Nan , please . Tom , hold Ted ; he 's got my book , and I will have it , ' called Josie from her perch , not at all daunted by the appearance of her friends . Tom promptly collared the thief , while Nan picked Josie from among the thorns and set her on her feet without a word of reproof ; for having been a romp in her own girlhood , she was very indulgent to like tastes in others . ` What 's the matter , dear ? ' she asked , pinning up the longest rip , while Josie examined the scratches on her hands . ' I was studying my part in the willow , and Ted came slyly up and poked the book out of my hands with his rod . It fell in the brook , and before I could scrabble down he was off . You wretch , give it back this moment or I 'll box your ears , ' cried Josie , laughing and scolding in the same breath . Escaping from Tom , Ted struck a sentimental attitude , and with tender glances at the wet , torn young person before him , delivered Claude Melnotte 's famous speech in a lackadaisical way that was irresistibly funny , ending with ` Dost like the picture , love ? ' as he made an object of himself by tying his long legs in a knot and distorting his face horribly . The sound of applause from the piazza put a stop to these antics , and the young folks went up the avenue together very much in the old style when Tom drove four in hand and Nan was the best horse in the team . Rosy , breathless , and merry , they greeted the ladies and sat down on the steps to rest , Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter 's rags while Mrs Jo smoothed the Lion 's mane , and rescued the book . Daisy appeared in a moment to greet her friend , and all began to talk .
` Muffins for tea ; better stay and eat 'em ; Daisy 's never fail , ' said XXXXX hospitably .
Daisy Jo Josie Melnotte Nan Ted girlhood hawthorn kangaroo mane