She stored up all she heard , however , and , womanlike , promised herself a delicious talk with Daisy , in which she would allow herself to melt by degrees , and perhaps change the doubtful ` We shall see ' to a cordial ` He has done well ; be happy , dear ' . In the midst of this agreeable chat the sudden striking of a clock recalled Mrs Jo from romance to reality , and she exclaimed , with a clutch at her crimping-pins : ` My blessed people , you must eat and rest ; and I must dress , or receive in this disgraceful rig . Meg , will you take Ludmilla and Mary upstairs and see to them ? Franz knows the way to the dining-room . Fritz , come with me and be made tidy , for what with heat and emotion , we are both perfect wrecks . ' Chapter 19 . WHITE ROSES While the travellers refreshed , and Mrs President struggled into her best gown , Josie ran into the garden to gather flowers for the brides . The sudden arrival of these interesting beings had quite enchanted the romantic girl , and her head was full of heroic rescues , tender admiration , dramatic situations , and feminine wonder as to whether the lovely creatures would wear their veils or not . She was standing before a great bush of white roses , culling the most perfect for the bouquets which she meant to tie with the ribbon festooned over her arm , and lay on the toilette tables of the new cousins , as a delicate attention . A step startled her , and looking up she saw her brother coming down the path with folded arms , bent head , and the absent air of one absorbed in deep thought . ` Sophy Wackles , ' said the sharp child , with a superior smile , as she sucked her thumb just pricked by a too eager pull at the thorny branches . ` What are you at here , Mischief ? ' asked Demi , with an Irvingesque start , as he felt rather than saw a disturbing influence in his day-dream . ` Getting flowers for `` our brides '' . Do n't you wish you had one ? ' answered Josie , to whom the word ` mischief ' suggested her favourite amusement . ' A bride or a flower ? ' asked Demi calmly , though he eyed the blooming bush as if it had a sudden and unusual interest for him . ` Both ; you get the one , and I 'll give you the other . ' ` Wish I could ! '
and XXXXX picked a little bud , with a sigh that went to Josie 's warm heart .
Daisy Demi Franz Fritz Irvingesque Jo Meg Wackles crimping-pins wrecks