You saw how prettily she shook hands with you , and how gentle she was with Bess . Daisy 's example has its effect upon her , and I 'm quite sure that a few months will work wonders . '' Here Mrs. Jo 's remarks were cut short by the appearance of Nan tearing round the corner at a break-neck pace , driving a mettlesome team of four boys , and followed by Daisy trundling Bess in a wheelbarrow . Hat off , hair flying , whip cracking , and barrow bumping , up they came in a cloud of dust , looking as wild a set of little hoydens as one would wish to see . `` So , these are the model children , are they ? It 's lucky I did n't bring Mrs. Curtis out to see your school for the cultivation of morals and manners ; she would never have recovered from the shock of this spectacle , '' said Mr. Laurie , laughing at Mrs. Jo 's premature rejoicing over Nan 's improvement . `` Laugh away ; I 'll succeed yet . As you used to say at College , quoting some professor , ` Though the experiment has failed , the principle remains the same , ' '' said Mrs. Bhaer , joining in the merriment . `` I 'm afraid Nan 's example is taking effect upon Daisy , instead of the other way . Look at my little princess ! she has utterly forgotten her dignity , and is screaming like the rest . Young ladies , what does this mean ? '' and Mr. Laurie rescued his small daughter from impending destruction , for the four horses were champing their bits and curvetting madly all about her , as she sat brandishing a great whip in both hands . `` We 're having a race , and I beat , '' shouted Nan . `` I could have run faster , only I was afraid of spilling Bess , '' screamed Daisy . `` Hi ! go long ! '' cried the princess , giving such a flourish with her whip that the horses ran away , and were seen no more . `` My precious child ! come away from this ill-mannered crew before you are quite spoilt .
Good-by , XXXXX !
Bess Bhaer Curtis Daisy Jo Laurie Nan hoydens months wheelbarrow