Why the roof did not fly off when the sturdy lungs of the excited young men pealed out the closing hymn will for ever be a mystery ; but it remained firm , and only the fading garlands vibrated as the waves of music rolled up and died away , leaving sweet echoes to haunt the place for another year . Dinners and spreads consumed the afternoon , and at sunset came a slight lull as everyone sought some brief repose before the festivities of the evening began . The President 's reception was one of the enjoyable things in store , also dancing on Parnassus , and as much strolling , singing , and flirting , as could be compressed into a few hours by youths and maidens just out of school . Carriages were rolling about , and gay groups on piazzas , lawns , and window-seats idly speculated as to who the distinguished guests might be . The appearance of a very dusty vehicle loaded with trunks at Mr Bhaer 's hospitably open door caused much curious comment among the loungers , especially as two rather foreign-looking gentlemen sprang out , followed by two young ladies , all four being greeted with cries of joy and much embracing by the Bhaers . Then they all disappeared into the house , the luggage followed , and the watchers were left to wonder who the mysterious strangers were , till a fair collegian declared that they must be the Professor 's nephews , one of whom was expected on his wedding journey . She was right ; Franz proudly presented his blonde and buxom bride , and she was hardly kissed and blessed when Emil led up his bonny English Mary , with the rapturous announcement : ` Uncle , Aunt Jo , here 's another daughter ! Have you room for my wife , too ? ' There could be no doubt of that ; and Mary was with difficulty rescued from the glad embraces of her new relatives , who , remembering all the young pair had suffered together , felt that this was the natural and happy ending of the long voyage so perilously begun . ` But why not tell us , and let us be ready for two brides instead of one ? ' asked Mrs Jo , looking as usual rather demoralizing in a wrapper and crimping-pins , having rushed down from her chamber , where she was preparing for the labours of the evening . ` Well , I remembered what a good joke you all considered Uncle Laurie 's marriage , and I thought I 'd give you another nice little surprise , ' laughed Emil . ` I 'm off duty , and it seemed best to take advantage of wind and tide , and come along as convoy to the old boy here . We hoped to get in last night , but could n't fetch it , so here we are in time for the end of the jollification , anyway . ' ` Ah , my sons , it is too feeling-full to see you both so happy and again in the old home . I haf no words to outpour my gratitude , and can only ask of the dear Gott in Himmel to bless and keep you all , ' cried Professor Bhaer , trying to gather all four into his arms at once , while tears rolled down his cheeks , and his English failed him . An April shower cleared the air and relieved the full hearts of the happy family ; then of course everyone began to talk -- Franz and Ludmilla in German with uncle , Emil and Mary with the aunts ; and round this group gathered the young folk , clamouring to hear all about the wreck , and the rescue , and the homeward voyage . It was a very different story from the written one ; and as they listened to Emil 's graphic words , with Mary 's soft voice breaking in now and then to add some fact that brought out the courage , patience , and self-sacrifice he so lightly touched upon , it became a solemn and pathetic thing to see and hear these happy creatures tell of that great danger and deliverance . ' I never hear the patter of rain now that I do n't want to say my prayers ; and as for women , I 'd like to take my hat off to every one of 'em , for they are braver than any man I ever saw , ' said Emil , with the new gravity that was as becoming to him as the new gentleness with which he treated everyone . ` If women are brave , some men are as tender and self-sacrificing as women .
I know one who in the XXXXX slipped his share of food into a girl 's pocket , though starving himself , and sat for hours rocking a sick man in his arms that he might get a little sleep .
German Laurie Parnassus Professor afternoon evening garlands left night window-seats