Every one scattered to his or her task , for each had some little daily duty , and was expected to perform it faithfully . Some brought wood and water , brushed the steps , or ran errands for Mrs. Bhaer . Others fed the pet animals , and did chores about the barn with Franz . Daisy washed the cups , and Demi wiped them , for the twins liked to work together , and Demi had been taught to make himself useful in the little house at home . Even Baby Teddy had his small job to do , and trotted to and fro , putting napkins away , and pushing chairs into their places . For half and hour the lads buzzed about like a hive of bees , then the ` bus drove round , Father Bhaer and Franz with the eight older boys piled in , and away they went for a three-mile drive to church in town . Because of the troublesome cough Nat prefered to stay at home with the four small boys , and spent a happy morning in Mrs. Bhaer 's room , listening to the stories she read them , learning the hymns she taught them , and then quietly employing himself pasting pictures into an old ledger . `` This is my Sunday closet , '' she said , showing him shelves filled with picture-books , paint-boxes , architectural blocks , little diaries , and materials for letter-writing . `` I want my boys to love Sunday , to find it a peaceful , pleasant day , when they can rest from common study and play , yet enjoy quiet pleasures , and learn , in simple ways , lessons more important than any taught in school . Do you understand me ? '' she asked , watching Nat 's attentive face . `` You mean to be good ? '' he said , after hesitating a minute . `` Yes ; to be good , and to love to be good . It is hard work sometimes , I know very well ; but we all help one another , and so we get on . This is one of the ways in which I try to help my boys , '' and she took down a thick book , which seemed half-full of writing , and opened at a page on which there was one word at the top . `` Why , that 's my name ! '' cried Nat , looking both surprised and interested . `` Yes ; I have a page for each boy . I keep a little account of how he gets on through the week , and Sunday night I show him the record .
If it is bad I am sorry and disappointed , if it is good I am glad and proud ; but , whichever it is , the boys know I want to help them , and they try to do their best for love of me and Father XXXXX . ''
Bhaer Demi Teddy daily day fro hour night paint-boxes picture-books