On the hill , where kites used to be flown , stood the fine college which Mr Laurence 's munificent legacy had built . Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden by childish feet , and many young men and women were enjoying all the advantages that wealth , wisdom , and benevolence could give them . Just inside the gates of Plumfield a pretty brown cottage , very like the Dovecote , nestled among the trees , and on the green slope westward Laurie 's white-pillared mansion glittered in the sunshine ; for when the rapid growth of the city shut in the old house , spoilt Meg 's nest , and dared to put a soap-factory under Mr Laurence 's indignant nose , our friends emigrated to Plumfield , and the great changes began . These were the pleasant ones ; and the loss of the dear old people was sweetened by the blessings they left behind ; so all prospered now in the little community , and Mr Bhaer as president , and Mr March as chaplain of the college , saw their long-cherished dream beautifully realized . The sisters divided the care of the young people among them , each taking the part that suited her best . Meg was the motherly friend of the young women , Jo the confidante and defender of all the youths , and Amy the lady Bountiful who delicately smoothed the way for needy students , and entertained them all so cordially that it was no wonder they named her lovely home Mount Parnassus , so full was it of music , beauty , and the culture hungry young hearts and fancies long for . The original twelve boys had of course scattered far and wide during these years , but all that lived still remembered old Plumfield , and came wandering back from the four quarters of the earth to tell their various experiences , laugh over the pleasures of the past , and face the duties of the present with fresh courage ; for such home-comings keep hearts tender and hands helpful with the memories of young and happy days . A few words will tell the history of each , and then we can go on with the new chapter of their lives . Franz was with a merchant kinsman in Hamburg , a man of twenty-six now , and doing well . Emil was the jolliest tar that ever ` sailed the ocean blue ' . His uncle sent him on a long voyage to disgust him with this adventurous life ; but he came home so delighted with it that it was plain this was his profession , and the German kinsman gave him a good chance in his ships ; so the lad was happy . Dan was a wanderer still ; for after the geological researches in South America he tried sheep-farming in Australia , and was now in California looking up mines . Nat was busy with music at the Conservatory , preparing for a year or two in Germany to finish him off . Tom was studying medicine and trying to like it . Jack was in business with his father , bent on getting rich . Dolly was in college with Stuffy and Ned reading law . Poor little Dick was dead , so was Billy ; and no one could mourn for them , since life would never be happy , afflicted as they were in mind and body . Rob and Teddy were called the ` Lion and the Lamb ' ; for the latter was as rampant as the king of beasts , and the former as gentle as any sheep that ever baaed . Mrs Jo called him ` my daughter ' , and found him the most dutiful of children , with plenty of manliness underlying the quiet manners and tender nature . But in Ted she seemed to see all the faults , whims , aspirations , and fun of her own youth in a new shape .
With his tawny locks always in wild confusion , his long legs and arms , loud voice , and continual activity , XXXXX was a prominent figure at Plumfield .
Amy Bhaer Billy Germany Laurie Ned Parnassus Plumfield Ted left