`` I also have proof of the Princess 's power , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , after he had watched Mrs. Jo sew on a button with an air of scorn for the whole system of fashionable education . `` Jack is so unwilling to be classed with Stuffy and Ned , as distasteful to Bess , that he came to me a little while ago , and asked me to touch his warts with caustic . I have often proposed it , and he never would consent ; but now he bore the smart manfully , and consoles his present discomfort by hopes of future favor , when he can show her fastidious ladyship a smooth hand . '' Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the story , and just then Stuffy came in to ask if he might give Goldilocks some of the bonbons his mother had sent him . `` She is not allowed to eat sweeties ; but if you like to give her the pretty box with the pink sugar-rose in it , she would like it very much , '' said Mrs. Jo , unwilling to spoil this unusual piece of self-denial , for the `` fat boy '' seldom offered to share his sugar-plums . `` Wo n't she eat it ? I should n't like to make her sick , '' said Stuffy , eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly , yet putting it into the box . `` Oh , no , she wo n't touch it , if I tell her it is to look at , not to eat . She will keep it for weeks , and never think of tasting it . Can you do as much ? '' `` I should hope so ! I 'm ever so much older than she is , '' cried Stuffy , indignantly . `` Well , suppose we try . Here , put your bonbons in this bag , and see how long you can keep them . Let me count two hearts , four red fishes , three barley-sugar horses , nine almonds , and a dozen chocolate drops . Do you agree to that ? '' asked sly Mrs. Jo , popping the sweeties into her little spool-bag . `` Yes , '' said Stuffy , with a sigh ; and pocketing the forbidden fruit , he went away to give Bess the present , that won a smile from her , and permission to escort her round the garden . `` Poor Stuffy 's heart has really got the better of his stomach at last , and his efforts will be much encouraged by the rewards Bess gives him , '' said Mrs. Jo . `` Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learn self-denial from so sweet a little teacher ! ''
added Mr. Bhaer , as the children passed the window , XXXXX 's fat face full of placid satisfaction , and Goldilocks surveying her sugar-rose with polite interest , though she would have preferred a real flower with a `` pitty smell . ''
Bhaer Goldilocks Jo Ned Princess Stuffy sugar-plums sugar-rose sweetmeat weeks