`` Mr. Bhaer 's got an old fiddle , and he 'll let you play on it if you want to . '' `` Could I ? Oh , I would like it ever so much . You see , I used to go round fiddling with my father , and another man , till he died . '' `` Was n't that fun ? '' cried Tommy , much impressed . `` No , it was horrid ; so cold in winter , and hot in summer . And I got tired ; and they were cross sometimes ; and I did n't get enough to eat . '' Nat paused to take a generous bite of gingerbread , as if to assure himself that the hard times were over ; and then he added regretfully : `` But I did love my little fiddle , and I miss it . Nicolo took it away when father died , and would n't have me any longer , 'cause I was sick . '' `` You 'll belong to the band if you play good . See if you do n't . '' `` Do you have a band here ? '' Nat 's eyes sparkled . `` Guess we do ; a jolly band , all boys ; and they have concerts and things . You just see what happens to-morrow night . '' After this pleasantly exciting remark , Tommy returned to his supper , and Nat sank into a blissful reverie over his full plate . Mrs. Bhaer had heard all they said , while apparently absorbed in filling mugs , and overseeing little Ted , who was so sleepy that he put his spoon in his eye , nodded like a rosy poppy , and finally fell fast asleep , with his cheek pillowed on a soft bun . Mrs. Bhaer had put Nat next to Tommy , because that roly-poly boy had a frank and social way with him , very attractive to shy persons . Nat felt this , and had made several small confidences during supper , which gave Mrs. Bhaer the key to the new boy 's character , better than if she had talked to him herself .
In the letter which Mr. Laurence had sent with XXXXX , he had said : `` DEAR JO : Here is a case after your own heart .
Bhaer Nat Nicolo Ted Tommy gingerbread night things to-morrow winter