` My darling boy , if you would wash your hands semi-occasionally , fond caresses would be less disastrous to my collar . Never mind , my precious touslehead , better grass stains and dirt than no cuddlings at all ' ; and Mrs Jo emerged from that brief eclipse looking much refreshed , though her back hair was caught in Ted 's buttons and her collar under one ear . Here Josie , who had been studying her part at the other end of the piazza , suddenly burst forth with a smothered shriek , and gave Juliet 's speech in the tomb so effectively that the boys applauded , Daisy shivered , and Nan murmured : ` Too much cerebral excitement for one of her age . ' ` I 'm afraid you 'll have to make up your mind to it , Meg . That child is a born actress . We never did anything so well , not even the Witch 's Curse , ' said Mrs Jo , casting a bouquet of many-coloured socks at the feet of her flushed and panting niece , when she fell gracefully upon the door-mat . ` It is a sort of judgement upon me for my passion for the stage when a girl . Now I know how dear Marmee felt when I begged to be an actress . I never can consent , and yet I may be obliged to give up my wishes , hopes , and plans again . ' 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 XXXXX 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 .
Daisy Demi Ha-ha Josie Juliet Laurie Marmee Nan Ted door-mat