`` Shall I go round again , sir ? '' asked Peter , as they came to the gate , after two slow turns about the half-mile triangle . `` No , we must be prudent , else we ca n't come again . I must go over the premises , take a look at the carriage-house , and have a little talk with Mrs. Jo before I go ; '' and , having deposited Dan on his sofa to rest and enjoy his book , Uncle Teddy went off to have a frolic with the lads who were raging about the place in search of him . Leaving the little girls to mess up-stairs , Mrs. Bhaer sat down by Dan , and listened to his eager account of the drive till the flock returned , dusty , warm , and much excited about the new museum , which every one considered the most brilliant idea of the age . `` I always wanted to endow some sort of an institution , and I am going to begin with this , '' said Mr. Laurie , sitting down on a stool at Mrs. Jo 's feet . `` You have endowed one already . What do you call this ? '' and Mrs. Jo pointed to the happy-faced lads , who had camped upon the floor about him . `` I call it a very promising Bhaer-garden , and I 'm proud to be a member of it . 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. XXXXX looked up at her laughing .
Bhaer Bhaer-garden Dan Franz Jo Laurie Nat Peter carriage-house up-stairs