`` I always wanted to endow some sort of an institution , and I am going to begin with this , '' said Mr. Laurie , sitting down on a stool at Mrs. Jo 's feet . `` You have endowed one already . What do you call this ? '' and Mrs. Jo pointed to the happy-faced lads , who had camped upon the floor about him . `` I call it a very promising Bhaer-garden , and I 'm proud to be a member of it . Did you know I was the head boy in this school ? '' he asked , turning to Dan , and changing the subject skilfully , for he hated to be thanked for the generous things he did . `` I thought Franz was ! '' answered Dan , wondering what the man meant . `` Oh , dear no ! I 'm the first boy Mrs. Jo ever had to take care of , and I was such a bad one that she is n't done with me yet , though she has been working at me for years and years . '' `` How old she must be ! '' said Nat , innocently . `` She began early , you see . Poor thing ! she was only fifteen when she took me , and I led her such a life , it 's a wonder she is n't wrinkled and gray , and quite worn out , '' and Mr. Laurie looked up at her laughing . `` Do n't Teddy ; I wo n't have you abuse yourself so ; '' and Mrs. Jo stroked the curly black head at her knee as affectionately as ever , for , in spite of every thing Teddy was her boy still . `` If it had n't been for you , there never would have been a Plumfield . It was my success with you , sir , that gave me courage to try my pet plan . So the boys may thank you for it , and name the new institution ` The Laurence Museum , ' in honor of its founder , wo n't we , boys ? ''
she added , looking very like the lively XXXXX of old times .
Bhaer-garden Dan Franz Jo Laurie Nat Plumfield Teddy life years