`` Of course you will , '' said a voice from below , and there was Mr. Bhaer returned from his walk , and come to find them , for he managed to have a little talk with every one of the lads some time during the day , and found that these chats gave them a good start for the coming week . Sympathy is a sweet thing , and it worked wonders here , for each boy knew that Father Bhaer was interested in him , and some were readier to open their hearts to him than to a woman , especially the older ones , who liked to talk over their hopes and plans , man to man . When sick or in trouble they instinctively turned to Mrs. Jo , while the little ones made her their mother-confessor on all occasions . In descending from their nest , Tommy fell into the brook ; being used to it , he calmly picked himself out and retired to the house to be dried . This left Nat to Mr. Bhaer , which was just what he wished , and , during the stroll they took among the garden plots , he won the lad 's heart by giving him a little `` farm , '' and discussing crops with him as gravely as if the food for the family depended on the harvest . From this pleasant topic they went to others , and Nat had many new and helpful thoughts put into a mind that received them as gratefully as the thirsty earth had received the warm spring rain . All supper time he brooded over them , often fixing his eyes on Mr. Bhaer with an inquiring look , that seemed to say , `` I like that , do it again , sir . '' I do n't know whether the man understood the child 's mute language or not , but when the boys were all gathered together in Mrs. Bhaer 's parlor for the Sunday evening talk , he chose a subject which might have been suggested by the walk in the garden . As he looked about him Nat thought it seemed more like a great family than a school , for the lads were sitting in a wide half-circle round the fire , some on chairs , some on the rug , Daisy and Demi on the knees of Uncle Fritz , and Rob snugly stowed away in the back of his mother 's easy-chair , where he could nod unseen if the talk got beyond his depth . Every one looked quite comfortable , and listened attentively , for the long walk made rest agreeable , and as every boy there knew that he would be called upon for his views , he kept his wits awake to be ready with an answer . `` Once upon a time , '' began Mr. Bhaer , in the dear old-fashioned way , `` there was a great and wise gardener who had the largest garden ever seen . A wonderful and lovely place it was , and he watched over it with the greatest skill and care , and raised all manner of excellent and useful things . But weeds would grow even in this fine garden ; often the ground was bad and the good seeds sown in it would not spring up . He had many under gardeners to help him . Some did their duty and earned the rich wages he gave them ; but others neglected their parts and let them run to waste , which displeased him very much . But he was very patient , and for thousands and thousands of years he worked and waited for his great harvest . '' `` He must have been pretty old , '' said Demi , who was looking straight into Uncle Fritz 's face , as if to catch every word . `` Hush , Demi , it 's a fairy story , '' whispered Daisy . `` No , I think it 's an arrygory , '' said Demi . `` What is a arrygory ? ''
called out XXXXX , who was of an inquiring turn .
Daisy Demi Fritz Nat Rob Tommy chats fire mother-confessor years