It was rather moth-eaten and shabby , but on a high bracket and best side foremost the effect was fine , for the yellow glass eyes glared , and the mouth snarled so naturally , that Teddy shook in his little shoes at sight of it , when he came bringing his most cherished treasure , one cocoon , to lay upon the shrine of science . `` Is n't it beautiful ? I 'd no idea we had so many curious things . I gave that ; do n't it look well ? We might make a lot by charging something for letting folks see it . '' Jack added that last suggestion to the general chatter that went on as the family viewed the room . `` This is a free museum and if there is any speculating on it I 'll paint out the name over the door , '' said Mr. Laurie , turning so quickly that Jack wished he had held his tongue . `` Hear ! hear ! '' cried Mr. Bhaer . `` Speech ! speech ! '' added Mrs. Jo . `` Ca n't , I 'm too bashful . You give them a lecture yourself you are used to it , '' Mr. Laurie answered , retreating towards the window , meaning to escape . But she held him fast , and said , laughing as she looked at the dozen pairs of dirty hands about her , `` If I did lecture , it would on the chemical and cleansing properties of soap . Come now , as the founder of the institution , you really ought to give us a few moral remarks , and we will applaud tremendously . '' Seeing that there was no way of escaping , Mr. Laurie looked up at Polly hanging overhead , seemed to find inspiration in the brilliant old bird , and sitting down upon the table , said , in his pleasant way , `` There is one thing I 'd like to suggest , boys , and that is , I want you to get some good as well as much pleasure out of this . Just putting curious or pretty things here wo n't do it ; so suppose you read up about them , so that when anybody asks questions you can answer them , and understand the matter . I used to like these things myself , and should enjoy hearing about them now , for I 've forgotten all I once knew .
It was n't much , was it , XXXXX ?
Bhaer Jack Jo Laurie Polly Teddy escape founder museum table