Was n't he scandalized ? ' asked Mrs Jo , trying not to laugh again as she thought of the unromantic spectacle of donkey , bicycle , boy , and girl all in the dust together . ` Not a bit . He was immensely interested and very kind ; talked to me like a father ; said it was a good thing to steady a fellow , only I must be honest with her and myself and not trifle a moment . Demi is a regular Solomon , especially when he is in the same boat , ' answered Tom , looking wise . ` You do n't mean -- ? ' gasped Mrs Jo , in sudden alarm at the bare idea of more love-affairs just yet . ` Yes , I do , please , ma'am ; it 's a regular sell all the way through , and I owe Demi one for taking me into temptation blindfold . He said he went to Quitno to see Fred Wallace , but he never saw the fellow . How could he , when Wallace was off in his yacht all the time we were there ? Alice was the real attraction , and I was left to my fate , while they were maundering round with that old camera . There were three donkeys in this affair , and I 'm not the worst one , though I shall have to bear the laugh . Demi will look innocent and sober , and no one will say a word to him . ' ` The midsummer madness has broken out , and no one knows who will be stricken next . Well , leave Demi to his mother , and let us see what you are going to do , Tom . ' ' I do n't know exactly ; it 's awkward to be in love with two girls at once . What do you advise ? ' ' A common-sense view of the case , by all means . Dora loves you and thinks you love her . Nan does not care for you , and you only care for her as a friend , though you have tried to do more .
It is my opinion , Tom , that you love XXXXX , or are on the way to it ; for in all these years I 've never seen you look or speak about Nan as you do about Dora .
Alice Demi Dora Jo Nan Solomon Tom Wallace donkeys left