` They ca n't outdo the girls . At X College I really believe I wrote three hundred during the day I was there , and I left a pile of cards and albums on my table when I came away . It is one of the most absurd and tiresome manias that ever afflicted the world . ' Nevertheless Mrs Jo wrote her name a dozen times , put on her black silk , and resigned herself to the impending call , praying for rain , however , as she returned to her work . The shower came , and feeling quite secure , she rumpled up her hair , took off her cuffs , and hurried to finish her chapter ; for thirty pages a day was her task , and she liked to have it well done before evening . Josie had brought some flowers for the vases , and was just putting the last touches when she saw several umbrellas bobbing down the hill . ` They are coming , Aunty ! I see uncle hurrying across the field to receive them , ' she called at the stair-foot . ` Keep an eye on them , and let me know when they enter the avenue . It will take but a minute to tidy up and run down , ' answered Mrs Jo , scribbling away for dear life , because serials wait for no man , not even the whole Christian Union en masse . ` There are more than two or three . I see half a dozen at least , ' called sister Ann from the hall door . ` No ! a dozen , I do believe ; Aunty , look out ; they are all coming ! What shall we do ? ' And Josie quailed at the idea of facing the black throng rapidly approaching . ` Mercy on us , there are hundreds ! Run and put a tub in the back entry for their umbrellas to drip into . Tell them to go down the hall and leave them , and pile their hats on the table ; the tree wo n't hold them all . No use to get mats ; my poor carpets ! '
And down went Mrs Jo to prepare for the invasion , while XXXXX and the maids flew about dismayed at the prospect of so many muddy boots .
Ann College Jo Josie day evening manias masse serials stair-foot