Did you know I was the head boy in this school ? '' he asked , turning to Dan , and changing the subject skilfully , for he hated to be thanked for the generous things he did . `` I thought Franz was ! '' answered Dan , wondering what the man meant . `` Oh , dear no ! I 'm the first boy Mrs. Jo ever had to take care of , and I was such a bad one that she is n't done with me yet , though she has been working at me for years and years . '' `` How old she must be ! '' said Nat , innocently . `` She began early , you see . Poor thing ! she was only fifteen when she took me , and I led her such a life , it 's a wonder she is n't wrinkled and gray , and quite worn out , '' and Mr. Laurie looked up at her laughing . `` Do n't Teddy ; I wo n't have you abuse yourself so ; '' and Mrs. Jo stroked the curly black head at her knee as affectionately as ever , for , in spite of every thing Teddy was her boy still . `` If it had n't been for you , there never would have been a Plumfield . It was my success with you , sir , that gave me courage to try my pet plan . So the boys may thank you for it , and name the new institution ` The Laurence Museum , ' in honor of its founder , wo n't we , boys ? '' she added , looking very like the lively Jo of old times . `` We will ! we will ! '' shouted the boys , throwing up their hats , for though they had taken them off on entering the house , according to rule , they had been in too much of a hurry to hang them up . `` I 'm as hungry as a bear , ca n't I have a cookie ? ''
asked Mr. XXXXX , when the shout subsided and he had expressed his thanks by a splendid bow .
Dan Franz Jo Laurie Nat Plumfield Teddy house spite years