One was the Mayflower ; and they made Thanksgiving , and we have it always , and I like it . Some more turkey , please . '' `` I think Demi will be an historian , there is such order and clearness in his account of events ; '' and Uncle Fritz 's eyes laughed at Aunt Jo , as he helped the descendant of the Pilgrims to his third bit of turkey . `` I thought you must eat as much as ever you could on Thanksgiving . But Franz says you must n't even then ; '' and Stuffy looked as if he had received bad news . `` Franz is right , so mind your knife and fork , and be moderate , or else you wo n't be able to help in the surprise by and by , '' said Mrs. Jo . `` I 'll be careful ; but everybody does eat lots , and I like it better than being moderate , '' said Stuffy , who leaned to the popular belief that Thanksgiving must be kept by coming as near apoplexy as possible , and escaping with merely a fit of indigestion or a headache . `` Now , my ` pilgrims ' amuse yourselves quietly till tea-time , for you will have enough excitement this evening , '' said Mrs. Jo , as they rose from the table after a protracted sitting , finished by drinking every one 's health in cider . `` I think I will take the whole flock for a drive , it is so pleasant ; then you can rest , my dear , or you will be worn out this evening , '' added Mr. Bhaer ; and as soon as coats and hats could be put on , the great omnibus was packed full , and away they went for a long gay drive , leaving Mrs. Jo to rest and finish sundry small affairs in peace . An early and light tea was followed by more brushing of hair and washing of hands ; then the flock waited impatiently for the company to come . Only the family was expected ; for these small revels were strictly domestic , and such being the case , sorrow was not allowed to sadden the present festival . All came ; Mr. and Mrs. March , with Aunt Meg , so sweet and lovely , in spite of her black dress and the little widow 's cap that encircled her tranquil face . Uncle Teddy and Aunt Amy , with the Princess looking more fairy-like than ever , in a sky-blue gown , and a great bouquet of hot-house flowers , which she divided among the boys , sticking one in each button-hole , making them feel peculiarly elegant and festive . One strange face appeared , and Uncle Teddy led the unknown gentleman up to the Bhaers , saying , `` This is Mr. Hyde ; he has been inquiring about Dan , and I ventured to bring him to-night , that he might see how much the boy has improved . '' The Bhaers received him cordially , for Dan 's sake , pleased that the lad had been remembered . But , after a few minutes ' chat , they were glad to know Mr. Hyde for his own sake , so genial , simple , and interesting was he . It was pleasant to see the boy 's face light up when he caught sight of his friend ; pleasanter still to see Mr. Hyde 's surprise and satisfaction in Dan 's improved manners and appearance , and pleasantest of all to watch the two sit talking in a corner , forgetting the differences of age , culture , and position , in the one subject which interested both , as man and boy compared notes , and told the story of their summer life . `` The performance must begin soon , or the actors will go to sleep , '' said Mrs. Jo , when the first greetings were over . So every one went into the school-room , and took seats before a curtain made of two bed-covers . The children had already vanished ; but stifled laughter , and funny little exclamations from behind the curtain , betrayed their whereabouts .
The entertainment began with a spirited exhibition of gymnastics , led by XXXXX .
Bhaer Franz Fritz Jo Pilgrims Stuffy Teddy bed-covers school-room third