The right string had been touched , and even French exercises and piano practice became endurable , since accomplishments would be useful by and by ; dress , manners , and habits were all interesting now , because ` mind and body , heart and soul , must be cultivated ' , and while training to become an ` intelligent , graceful , healthy girl ' , little Josie was unconsciously fitting herself to play her part well on whatever stage the great Manager might prepare for her . Chapter 9 . THE WORM TURNS Two very superior bicycles went twinkling up the road to Plumfield one September afternoon , bearing two brown and dusty riders evidently returning from a successful run , for though their legs might be a trifle weary , their faces beamed as they surveyed the world from their lofty perches with the air of calm content all wheelmen wear after they have learned to ride ; before that happy period anguish of mind and body is the chief expression of the manly countenance . ` Go ahead and report , Tom ; I 'm due here . See you later , ' said Demi , swinging himself down at the door of the Dovecote . ` Do n't peach , there 's a good fellow . Let me have it out with Mother Bhaer first , ' returned Tom , wheeling in at the gate with a heavy sigh . Demi laughed , and his comrade went slowly up the avenue , devoutly hoping that the coast was clear ; for he was the bearer of tidings which would , he thought , convulse the entire family with astonishment and dismay . To his great joy Mrs Jo was discovered alone in a grove of proof-sheets , which she dropped , to greet the returning wanderer cordially . But after the first glance she saw that something was the matter , recent events having made her unusually sharp-eyed and suspicious . ` What is it now , Tom ? ' she asked , as he subsided into an easy-chair with a curious expression of mingled fear , shame , amusement , and distress in his brick-red countenance . ` I 'm in an awful scrape , ma'am . ' ` Of course ; I 'm always prepared for scrapes when you appear . What is it ? Run over some old lady who is going to law about it ? ' asked Mrs Jo cheerfully . ` Worse than that , ' groaned Tom . ` Not poisoned some trusting soul who asked you to prescribe , I hope ? ' ` Worse than that . '
` You have n't let XXXXX catch any horrid thing and left him behind , have you ? '
Demi French Jo Josie Plumfield Tom afternoon first perches right