asked Mrs. Jo , thinking , from the sober look on Dan 's face , that he had something on his mind . `` Oh ! we were talking . I 'd been telling him about leaves and things , and he was telling me some of his queer plays . Now , then , Major , fish away ; '' and Dan finished off his work by putting a big blue fly on the bent pin which hung at the end of the cord he had tied to the willow-rod . Teddy leaned down from the tree , and was soon wrapt up in watching for the fish which he felt sure would come . Dan held him by his little petticoats , lest he should take a `` header '' into the brook , and Mrs. Jo soon won him to talk by doing so herself . `` I am so glad you told Demi about ` leaves and things ; ' it is just what he needs ; and I wish you would teach him , and take him to walk with you . '' `` I 'd like to , he is so bright ; but -- '' `` But what ? '' `` I did n't think you 'd trust me . '' `` Why not ? '' `` Well , Demi is so kind of precious , and so good , and I 'm such a bad lot , I thought you 'd keep him away from me . '' `` But you are not a ` bad lot , ' as you say ; and I do trust you , Dan , entirely , because you honestly try to improve , and do better and better every week . '' `` Really ? '' and Dan looked up at her with the cloud of despondency lifting from his face . `` Yes ; do n't you feel it ? '' `` I hoped so , but I did n't know . '' `` I have been waiting and watching quietly , for I thought I 'd give you a good trial first ; and if you stood it , I would give you the best reward I had . You have stood it well ; and now I 'm going to trust not only Demi , but my own boy , to you , because you can teach them some things better than any of us . '' `` Can I ? ''
and XXXXX looked amazed at the idea .
Dan Demi Jo first header mind petticoats queer week willow-rod