`` Try and see , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , who had quietly untied the cord sash while she had been talking . Nan saw that she was free , and with one tempestuous kiss to Mrs. Jo , she was off like a humming-bird , followed by Robby , dribbling huckleberry juice as he ran . CHAPTER XIII . GOLDILOCKS After the last excitement peace descended upon Plumfield and reigned unbroken for several weeks , for the elder boys felt that the loss of Nan and Rob lay at their door , and all became so paternal in their care that they were rather wearying ; while the little ones listened to Nan 's recital of her perils so many times , that they regarded being lost as the greatest ill humanity was heir to , and hardly dared to put their little noses outside the great gate lest night should suddenly descend upon them , and ghostly black cows come looming through the dusk . `` It is too good to last , '' said Mrs. Jo ; for years of boy-culture had taught her that such lulls were usually followed by outbreaks of some sort , and when less wise women would have thought that the boys had become confirmed saints , she prepared herself for a sudden eruption of the domestic volcano . One cause of this welcome calm was a visit from little Bess , whose parents lent her for a week while they were away with Grandpa Laurence , who was poorly . The boys regarded Goldilocks as a mixture of child , angel , and fairy , for she was a lovely little creature , and the golden hair which she inherited from her blonde mamma enveloped her like a shining veil , behind which she smiled upon her worshippers when gracious , and hid herself when offended . Her father would not have it cut and it hung below her waist , so soft and fine and bright , that Demi insisted that it was silk spun from a cocoon . Every one praised the little Princess , but it did not seem to do her harm , only to teach her that her presence brought sunshine , her smiles made answering smiles on other faces , and her baby griefs filled every heart with tenderest sympathy . Unconsciously , she did her young subjects more good than many a real sovereign , for her rule was very gentle and her power was felt rather than seen . Her natural refinement made her dainty in all things , and had a good effect upon the careless lads about her . She would let no one touch her roughly or with unclean hands , and more soap was used during her visits than at any other time , because the boys considered it the highest honor to be allowed to carry her highness , and the deepest disgrace to be repulsed with the disdainful command , `` Do away , dirty boy ! '' Lour voices displeased her and quarrelling frightened her ; so gentler tones came into the boyish voices as they addressed her , and squabbles were promptly suppressed in her presence by lookers-on if the principles could not restrain themselves . She liked to be waited on , and the biggest boys did her little errands without a murmur , while the small lads were her devoted slaves in all things . They begged to be allowed to draw her carriage , bear her berry-basket , or pass her plate at table . No service was too humble , and Tommy and Ned came to blows before they could decide which should have the honor of blacking her little boots . Nan was especially benefited by a week in the society of a well-bred lady , though such a very small one ; for Bess would look at her with a mixture of wonder and alarm in her great blue eyes when the hoyden screamed and romped ; and she shrunk from her as if she thought her a sort of wild animal . Warm-hearted Nan felt this very much . She said at first , `` Pooh ! I do n't care ! ''
But she did care , and was so hurt when XXXXX said , `` I love my tuzzin best , tause she is twiet , '' that she shook poor Daisy till her teeth chattered in her head , and then fled to the barn to cry dismally .
Bess Bhaer Goldilocks Lour Nan Ned Plumfield Rob boy-culture first