cried Emil ; and in a minute the chairs were pushed back , the older people put safely in corners and the children gathered on the stage . `` Show your manners ! '' called Emil ; and the boys pranced up to the ladies , old and young ; with polite invitations to `` tread the mazy , '' as dear Dick Swiveller has it . The small lads nearly came to blows for the Princess , but she chose Dick , like a kind , little gentlewoman as she was , and let him lead her proudly to her place . Mrs. Jo was not allowed to decline ; and Aunt Amy filled Dan with unspeakable delight by refusing Franz and taking him . Of course Nan and Tommy , Nat and Daisy paired off , while Uncle Teddy went and got Asia , who was longing to `` jig it , '' and felt much elated by the honor done her . Silas and Mary Ann had a private dance in the hall ; and for half-an-hour Plumfield was at its merriest . The party wound up with a grand promenade of all the young folks , headed by the pumpkin-coach with the Princess and driver inside , and the rats in a wildly frisky state . While the children enjoyed this final frolic , the elders sat in the parlor looking on as they talked together of the little people with the interest of parents and friends . `` What are you thinking of , all by yourself , with such a happy face , sister Jo ? '' asked Laurie , sitting down beside her on the sofa . `` My summer 's work , Teddy , and amusing myself by imagining the future of my boys , '' she answered , smiling as she made room for him . `` They are all to be poets , painters , and statesmen , famous soldiers , or at least merchant princes , I suppose . '' `` No , I am not as aspiring as I once was , and I shall be satisfied if they are honest men . But I will confess that I do expect a little glory and a career for some of them . Demi is not a common child , and I think he will blossom into something good and great in the best sense of the word . The others will do well , I hope , especially my last two boys , for , after hearing Nat play to-night , I really think he has genius . '' `` Too soon to say ; talent he certainly has , and there is no doubt that the boy can soon earn his bread by the work he loves . Build him up for another year or so , and then I will take him off your hands , and launch him properly . '' `` That is such a pleasant prospect for poor Nat , who came to me six months ago so friendless and forlorn .
XXXXX 's future is already plain to me .
Asia Dan Emil Jo Laurie Nat Princess Silas minute to-night