I 'm clumsy with my thumbs , ' said Tom , bound to be near his idol while he could . ` Hush ! Daisy does n't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work . Muffins suit us better ' ; and Ted grinned sweetly , with a view to future favours in the eating line . ` Any news of the Commodore ? ' asked Tom . ` He is on his way home , and Dan hopes to come soon . I long to see my boys together , and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving , if not before , ' answered Mrs Jo , beaming at the thought . ` They 'll come , every man of them , if they can . Even Jack will risk losing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners , ' laughed Tom . ` There 's the turkey fattening for the feast . I never chase him now , but feed him well ; and he 's `` swellin ' wisibly '' , bless his drumsticks ! ' said Ted , pointing out the doomed fowl proudly parading in a neighbouring field . ` If Nat goes the last of the month we shall want a farewell frolic for him . I suppose the dear old Chirper will come home a second Ole Bull , ' said Nan to her friend . A pretty colour came into Daisy 's cheek , and the folds of muslin on her breast rose and fell with a quick breath ; but she answered placidly : ` Uncle Laurie says he has real talent , and after the training he will get abroad he can command a good living here , though he may never be famous . ' ` Young people seldom turn out as one predicts , so it is of little use to expect anything , ' said Mrs Meg with a sigh . ` If our children are good and useful men and women , we should be satisfied ; yet it 's very natural to wish them to be brilliant and successful . ' ` They are like my chickens , mighty uncertain . Now , that fine-looking cockerel of mine is the stupidest one of the lot , and the ugly , long-legged chap is the king of the yard , he 's so smart ; crows loud enough to wake the Seven Sleepers ; but the handsome one croaks , and is no end of a coward .
I get snubbed ; but you wait till I grow up , and then see ' ; and XXXXX looked so like his own long-legged pet that everyone laughed at his modest prediction . '
Daisy Dan Laurie Meg Nat Ted cockerel drumsticks muslin swellin