I thought the seed had fallen on very stony ground with my poor Dan ; but I shall not be surprised if he surpasses all the rest in the real success of life , since there is more rejoicing over one repentant sinner than many saints , ' answered Mrs Jo , still clinging fast to her black sheep although a whole flock of white ones trotted happily before her . It is a strong temptation to the weary historian to close the present tale with an earthquake which should engulf Plumfield and its environs so deeply in the bowels of the earth that no youthful Schliemann could ever find a vestige of it . But as that somewhat melodramatic conclusion might shock my gentle readers , I will refrain , and forestall the usual question , ` How did they end ? ' by briefly stating that all the marriages turned out well . The boys prospered in their various callings ; so did the girls , for Bess and Josie won honours in their artistic careers , and in the course of time found worthy mates . Nan remained a busy , cheerful , independent spinster , and dedicated her life to her suffering sisters and their children , in which true woman 's work she found abiding happiness . Dan never married , but lived , bravely and usefully , among his chosen people till he was shot defending them , and at last lay quietly asleep in the green wilderness he loved so well , with a lock of golden hair upon his breast , and a smile on his face which seemed to say that Aslauga 's Knight had fought his last fight and was at peace . Stuffy became an alderman , and died suddenly of apoplexy after a public dinner . Dolly was a society man of mark till he lost his money , when he found congenial employment in a fashionable tailoring establishment . Demi became a partner , and lived to see his name above the door , and Rob was a professor at Laurence College ; but Teddy eclipsed them all by becoming an eloquent and famous clergyman , to the great delight of his astonished mother . KITTY 'S CLASS DAY `` A stitch in time saves nine . '' `` O Pris , Pris , I 'm really going ! Here 's the invitation -- rough paper -- Chapel -- spreads -- Lyceum Hall -- everything splendid ; and Jack to take care of me ! '' As Kitty burst into the room and performed a rapturous pas seul , waving the cards over her head , sister Priscilla looked up from her work with a smile of satisfaction on her quiet face . `` Who invites you , dear ? '' `` Why , Jack , of course , -- dear old cousin Jack . Nobody else ever thinks of me , or cares whether I have a bit of pleasure now and then . Is n't he kind ? May n't I go ? and , O Pris , what shall I wear ? ''
XXXXX paused suddenly , as if the last all-important question had a solemnizing effect upon both mind and body .
Dan Dolly Hall Kitty Nan Plumfield Stuffy Teddy earthquake spinster