Shrieks of delight arose , but were silenced by the boys , who said , with faces brimful of merriment , `` That is n't all the surprise ; '' and , running behind the rock , again emerged bearing a fourth kite of superb size , on which was printed , in bright yellow letters , `` For Mother Bhaer . '' `` We thought you 'd like one , too , because you were angry with us , and took the girls ' part , '' cried all three , shaking with laughter , for this part of the affair evidently was a surprise to Mrs. Jo . She clapped her hands , and joined in the laugh , looking thoroughly tickled at the joke . `` Now , boys , that is regularly splendid ! Who did think of it ? '' she asked , receiving the monster kite with as much pleasure as the little girls did theirs . `` Uncle Fritz proposed it when we planned to make the others ; he said you 'd like it , so we made a bouncer , '' answered Demi , beaming with satisfaction at the success of the plot . `` Uncle Fritz knows what I like . Yes , these are magnificent kites , and we were wishing we had some the other day when you were flying yours , were n't we , girls ? '' `` That 's why we made them for you , '' cried Tommy , standing on his head as the most appropriate way of expressing his emotions . `` Let us fly them , '' said energetic Nan . `` I do n't know how , '' began Daisy . `` We 'll show you , we want to ! '' cried all the boys in a burst of devotion , as Demi took Daisy 's , Tommy Nan 's , and Nat , with difficulty , persuaded Bess to let go her little blue one . `` Aunty , if you will wait a minute , we 'll pitch yours for you , '' said Demi , feeling that Mrs. Bhaer 's favor must not be lost again by any neglect of theirs . `` Bless your buttons , dear , I know all about it ; and here is a boy who will toss up for me , '' added Mrs. Jo , as the professor peeped over the rock with a face full of fun . He came out at once , tossed up the big kite , and Mrs. Jo ran off with it in fine style , while the children stood and enjoyed the spectacle . One by one all the kites went up , and floated far overhead like gay birds , balancing themselves on the fresh breeze that blew steadily over the hill . Such a merry time as they had ! running and shouting , sending up the kites or pulling them down , watching their antics in the air , and feeling them tug at the string like live creatures trying to escape .
Nan was quite wild with the fun , Daisy thought the new play nearly as interesting as dolls , and little Bess was so fond of her `` boo tite , '' that she would only let it go on very short flights , preferring to hold it in her lap and look at the remarkable pictures painted on it by XXXXX 's dashing brush .
Bess Demi Fritz Jo Nat Tommy bouncer escape fourth kites