I do n't know whether the man understood the child 's mute language or not , but when the boys were all gathered together in Mrs. Bhaer 's parlor for the Sunday evening talk , he chose a subject which might have been suggested by the walk in the garden . As he looked about him Nat thought it seemed more like a great family than a school , for the lads were sitting in a wide half-circle round the fire , some on chairs , some on the rug , Daisy and Demi on the knees of Uncle Fritz , and Rob snugly stowed away in the back of his mother 's easy-chair , where he could nod unseen if the talk got beyond his depth . Every one looked quite comfortable , and listened attentively , for the long walk made rest agreeable , and as every boy there knew that he would be called upon for his views , he kept his wits awake to be ready with an answer . `` Once upon a time , '' began Mr. Bhaer , in the dear old-fashioned way , `` there was a great and wise gardener who had the largest garden ever seen . A wonderful and lovely place it was , and he watched over it with the greatest skill and care , and raised all manner of excellent and useful things . But weeds would grow even in this fine garden ; often the ground was bad and the good seeds sown in it would not spring up . He had many under gardeners to help him . Some did their duty and earned the rich wages he gave them ; but others neglected their parts and let them run to waste , which displeased him very much . But he was very patient , and for thousands and thousands of years he worked and waited for his great harvest . '' `` He must have been pretty old , '' said Demi , who was looking straight into Uncle Fritz 's face , as if to catch every word . `` Hush , Demi , it 's a fairy story , '' whispered Daisy . `` No , I think it 's an arrygory , '' said Demi . `` What is a arrygory ? '' called out Tommy , who was of an inquiring turn . `` Tell him , Demi , if you can , and do n't use words unless you are quite sure you know what they mean , '' said Mr. Bhaer . `` I do know , Grandpa told me ! A fable is a arrygory ; it 's a story that means something . My ` Story without an end ' is one , because the child in it means a soul ; do n't it , Aunty ? '' cried Demi , eager to prove himself right . `` That 's it , dear ; and Uncle 's story is an allegory , I am quite sure ; so listen and see what it means , '' returned Mrs. Jo , who always took part in whatever was going on , and enjoyed it as much as any boy among them .
Demi composed himself , and Mr. XXXXX went on in his best English , for he had improved much in the last five years , and said the boys did it .
Bhaer Daisy Fritz Grandpa Jo Nat Tommy evening fire half-circle