He piloted the ` potent , grave , and reverend seigniors ' safely down to Plumfield at last , and landed them before his uncle and aunt Bhaer , who were receiving in state , the one full of genuine delight in all men and things , the other suffering martyrdom with a smile , as she stood shaking hand after hand , and affecting utter unconsciousness of the sad fact that ponderous Professor Plock had camped upon the train of her state and festival velvet gown . With a long sigh of relief Demi glanced about him for the beloved girl . Most persons would have looked some time before any particular angel could be discovered among the white-robed throng in parlours , hall , and study ; but his eye went -- like the needle to the pole -- to the corner where a smooth dark head , with its braided crown , rose like a queen 's , he thought , above the crowd which surrounded her . Yes , she has a flower at her throat ; one , two , oh , blessed sight ! he saw it all across the room , and gave a rapturous sigh which caused Miss Perry 's frizzled crop to wave with a sudden gust . He did not see the rose , for it was hidden by a fold of lace ; and it was well , perhaps , that bliss came by instalments , or he might have electrified the assembled multitude by flying to his idol , there being no Daisy to clutch him by the coat-tail . A stout lady , thirsting for information , seized him at that thrilling moment , and he was forced to point out celebrities with a saintly patience which deserved a better reward than it received ; for a certain absence of mind and incoherence of speech at times caused the ungrateful dowager to whisper to the first friend she met after he had escaped : ' I saw no wine at any of the spreads ; but it is plain that young Brooke has had too much . Quite gentlemanly , but evidently a trifle intoxicated , my dear . ' Ah , so he was ! but with a diviner wine than any that ever sparkled at a class-day lunch , though many collegians know the taste of it ; and when the old lady was disposed of , he gladly turned to find the young one , bent on having a single word . He saw her standing by the piano now , idly turning over music as she talked with several gentlemen . Hiding his impatience under an air of scholastic repose , Demi hovered near , ready to advance when the happy moment came , wondering meantime why elderly persons persisted in absorbing young ones instead of sensibly sitting in corners with their contemporaries . The elderly persons in question retired at length , but only to be replaced by two impetuous youths who begged Miss Heath to accompany them to Parnassus and join the dance . Demi thirsted for their blood , but was appeased by hearing George and Dolly say , as they lingered a moment after her refusal : ` Really , you know , I 'm quite converted to co-education and almost wish I 'd remained here . It gives a grace to study , a sort of relish even to Greek to see charming girls at it , ' said Stuffy , who found the feast of learning so dry , any sauce was welcome ; and he felt as if he had discovered a new one . ` Yes , by Jove ! we fellows will have to look out or you 'll carry off all the honours . You were superb today , and held us all like magic , though it was so hot there , I really think I could n't have stood it for anyone else , ' added Dolly , labouring to be gallant and really offering a touching proof of devotion ; for the heat melted his collar , took the curl out of his hair , and ruined his gloves . ` There is room for all ; and if you will leave us the books , we will cheerfully yield the baseball , boating , dancing , and flirting , which seem to be the branches you prefer , ' answered Alice sweetly . ` Ah , now you are too hard upon us !
We ca n't grind all the time and you ladies do n't seem to mind taking a turn at the two latter `` branches '' you mention , ' returned XXXXX , with a glance at George which plainly said , ' I had her there . '
Bhaer Brooke Dolly Greek Plumfield co-education first incoherence parlours unconsciousness