The dear Pelican still had doubts and fears , but kept them wisely to herself , preparing sundry searching tests to be applied when Nat came home , and keeping a sharp eye on the letters from London ; for some mysterious hint had flown across the sea , and Daisy 's content seemed reflected in Nat 's present cheerful state of mind . Having passed through the Werther period , and tried a little Faust -- of which experience he spoke to his Marguerite as if it had included an acquaintance with Mephistopheles , Blocksburg , and Auerbach 's wine-cellar -- he now felt that he was a Wilhelm Meister , serving his apprenticeship to the great masters of life . As she knew the truth of his small sins and honest repentance , Daisy only smiled at the mixture of love and philosophy he sent her , knowing that it was impossible for a young man to live in Germany without catching the German spirit . ` His heart is all right ; and his head will soon grow clear when he gets out of the fog of tobacco , beer , and metaphysics he 's been living in . England will wake up his common sense , and good salt air blow his little follies all away , ' said Mrs Jo , much pleased with the good prospects of her violinist -- whose return was delayed till spring , to his private regret , but professional advancement . Josie had a month with Miss Cameron at the seaside , and threw herself so heartily into the lesson given her that her energy , promise , and patience laid the foundation of a friendship which was of infinite value to her in the busy , brilliant years to come ; for little Jo 's instincts were right ; and the dramatic talent of the Marches was to blossom by and by into an actress , virtuous , and beloved . Tom and his Dora were peacefully ambling altar-ward ; for Bangs senior was so afraid his son would change his mind again and try a third profession , that he gladly consented to an early marriage , as a sort of anchor to hold the mercurial Thomas fast . Aforesaid Thomas could not complain of cold shoulders now ; for Dora was a most devoted and adoring little mate , and made life so pleasant to him that his gift for getting into scrapes seemed lost , and he bade fair to become a thriving man , with undeniable talent for the business he had chosen . ` We shall be married in the autumn , and live with my father for a while . The governor is getting on , you know , and my wife and I must look after him . Later we shall have an establishment of our own , ' was a favourite speech of his about this time , and usually received with smiles ; for the idea of Tommy Bangs at the head of an ` establishment ' was irresistibly funny to all who knew him . Things were in this flourishing condition , and Mrs Jo was beginning to think her trials were over for that year , when a new excitement came . Several postal cards had arrived at long intervals from Dan , who gave them ` Care of M. Mason , etc. ' , as his address . By this means he was able to gratify his longing for home news , and to send brief messages to quiet their surprise at his delay in settling . The last one , which came in September , was dated ` Montana ' , and simply said : Here at last , trying mining again ; but not going to stay long . All sorts of luck . Gave up the farm idea . Tell plans soon . Well , busy , and very happy . D. K .
If they had known what the heavy dash under ` happy ' meant , that postal would have been a very eloquent bit of pasteboard ; for XXXXX was free , and had gone straight away to the liberty he panted for .
Auerbach Blocksburg Cameron Daisy Dan England Meister Mephistopheles Montana Nat