She did go to him , with a cry of love and joy that thrilled every listener , as she gathered him in her arms with the tears and prayers and blessing such as only a fond and faithful old mother could give . The last scene was a cheerful contrast to this ; for the country kitchen was bright with Christmas cheer , the wounded hero , with black patch and crutches well displayed , sat by the fire in the old chair whose familiar creak was soothing to his ear ; pretty Dolly was stirring about , gaily trimming dresser , settle , high chimney-piece , and old-fashioned cradle with mistletoe and holly ; while the mother rested beside her son , with that blessed baby on her knee . Refreshed by a nap and nourishment , this young actor now covered himself with glory by his ecstatic prancings , incoherent remarks to the audience , and vain attempts to get to the footlights , as he blinked approvingly at these brilliant toys . It was good to see Mrs Meg pat him on the back , cuddle the fat legs out of sight , and appease his vain longings with a lump of sugar , till Baby embraced her with a grateful ardour that brought him a round of applause all for his little self . A sound of singing outside disturbs the happy family , and , after a carol in the snowy moonlight , a flock of neighbours troop in with Christmas gifts and greetings . Much by-play made this a lively picture ; for Sam 's sweetheart hovered round him with a tenderness the Marquise did not show the Baron ; and Dolly had a pretty bit under the mistletoe with her rustic adorer , who looked so like Ham Peggotty in his cowhide boots , rough jacket , and dark beard and wig , that no one would have recognized Ted but for the long legs , which no extent of leather could disguise . It ended with a homely feast , brought by the guests ; and as they sat round the table covered with doughnuts and cheese , pumpkin-pie , and other delicacies , Sam rises on his crutches to propose the first toast , and holding up his mug of cider , says , with a salute , and a choke in his voice : ` Mother , God bless her ! ' All drink it standing , Dolly with her arm round the old woman 's neck , as she hides her happy tears on her daughter 's breast ; while the irrepressible baby beat rapturously on the table with a spoon , and crowed audibly as the curtain went down . They had it up again in a jiffy to get a last look at the group about that central figure , which was showered with bouquets , to the great delight of the infant Roscius ; till a fat rosebud hit him on the nose , and produced the much-dreaded squall , which , fortunately , only added to the fun at that moment . ` Well , that will do for a beginning , ' said Beaumont , with a sigh of relief , as the curtain descended for the last time , and the actors scattered to dress for the closing piece . ` As an experiment , it is a success . Now we can venture to begin our great American drama , ' answered Mrs Jo , full of satisfaction and grand ideas for the famous play -- which , we may add , she did not write that year , owing to various dramatic events in her own family . The Owlsdark Marbles closed the entertainment , and , being something new , proved amusing to this very indulgent audience . The gods and goddesses on Parnassus were displayed in full conclave ; and , thanks to Mrs Amy 's skill in draping and posing , the white wigs and cotton-flannel robes were classically correct and graceful , though sundry modern additions somewhat marred the effect , while adding point to the showman 's learned remarks . Mr Laurie was Professor Owlsdark in cap and gown ; and , after a high-flown introduction , he proceeded to exhibit and explain his marbles . The first figure was a stately Minerva ; but a second glance produced a laugh , for the words ` Women 's Rights ' adorned her shield , a scroll bearing the motto ` Vote early and often ' hung from the beak of the owl perched on her lance , and a tiny pestle and mortar ornamented her helmet . Attention was drawn to the firm mouth , the piercing eye , the awe-inspiring brow , of the strong-minded woman of antiquity , and some scathing remarks made upon the degeneracy of her modern sisters who failed to do their duty . Mercury came next , and was very fine in his airy attitude , though the winged legs quivered as if it was difficult to keep the lively god in his place . His restless nature was dilated upon , his mischievous freaks alluded to , and a very bad character given to the immortal messenger-boy ; which delighted his friends and caused the marble nose of the victim to curl visibly with scorn when derisive applause greeted a particularly hard hit . A charming little Hebe stood next , pouring nectar from a silver teapot into a blue china tea-cup .
She also pointed a moral ; for the Professor explained that the nectar of old was the beverage which cheers but does not inebriate , and regretted that the excessive devotion of XXXXX women to this classic brew proved so harmful , owing to the great development of brain their culture produced .
American Marquise Mother Owlsdark Parnassus ardour first prancings wigs year