Rob started for school at the same time , looking so much like him with his books and bag and square shoulders and steady air that his mother laughed as she turned away , saying heartily : ` Bless both my dear professors , for better creatures never lived ! ' Emil was already gone to his ship in the city ; but Ted lingered to steal the address he wanted , ravage the sugar-bowl , and talk with ` Mum ' ; for the two had great larks together . Mrs Jo always arranged her own parlour , refilled her vases , and gave the little touches that left it cool and neat for the day . Going to draw down the curtain , she beheld an artist sketching on the lawn , and groaned as she hastily retired to the back window to shake her duster . At that moment the bell rang and the sound of wheels was heard in the road . ` I 'll go ; Mary lets 'em in ' ; and Ted smoothed his hair as he made for the hall . ` Ca n't see anyone . Give me a chance to fly upstairs , ' whispered Mrs Jo , preparing to escape . But before she could do so , a man appeared at the door with a card in his hand . Ted met him with a stern air , and his mother dodged behind the window-curtains to bide her time for escape . ' I am doing a series of articles for the Saturday Tattler , and I called to see Mrs Bhaer the first of all , ' began the newcomer in the insinuating tone of his tribe , while his quick eyes were taking in all they could , experience having taught him to make the most of his time , as his visits were usually short ones . ` Mrs Bhaer never sees reporters , sir . ' ` But a few moments will be all I ask , ' said the man , edging his way farther in . ` You ca n't see her , for she is out , ' replied Teddy , as a backward glance showed him that his unhappy parent had vanished -- through the window , he supposed , as she sometimes did when hard bestead . ` Very sorry . I 'll call again . Is this her study ? Charming room ! ' And the intruder fell back on the parlour , bound to see something and bag a fact if he died in the attempt . ` It is not , ' said Teddy , gently but firmly backing him down the hall , devoutly hoping that his mother had escaped round the corner of the house .
` If you could tell me Mrs XXXXX 's age and birthplace , date of marriage , and number of children , I should be much obliged , ' continued the unabashed visitor as he tripped over the door-mat .
Bhaer Jo Rob Tattler Teddy bestead escape first parlour sugar-bowl