Poor little Dick was dead , so was Billy ; and no one could mourn for them , since life would never be happy , afflicted as they were in mind and body . Rob and Teddy were called the ` Lion and the Lamb ' ; for the latter was as rampant as the king of beasts , and the former as gentle as any sheep that ever baaed . Mrs Jo called him ` my daughter ' , and found him the most dutiful of children , with plenty of manliness underlying the quiet manners and tender nature . But in Ted she seemed to see all the faults , whims , aspirations , and fun of her own youth in a new shape . With his tawny locks always in wild confusion , his long legs and arms , loud voice , and continual activity , Ted was a prominent figure at Plumfield . He had his moods of gloom , and fell into the Slough of Despond about once a week , to be hoisted out by patient Rob or his mother , who understood when to let him alone and when to shake him up . He was her pride and joy as well as torment , being a very bright lad for his age , and so full of all sorts of budding talent , that her maternal mind was much exercised as to what this remarkable boy would become . Demi had gone through College with honour , and Mrs Meg had set her heart on his being a minister -- picturing in her fond fancy the first sermon her dignified young parson would preach , as well as the long , useful , and honoured life he was to lead . But John , as she called him now , firmly declined the divinity school , saying he had had enough of books , and needed to know more of men and the world , and caused the dear woman much disappointment by deciding to try a journalist 's career . It was a blow ; but she knew that young minds can not be driven , and that experience is the best teacher ; so she let him follow his own inclinations , still hoping to see him in the pulpit . Aunt Jo raged when she found that there was to be a reporter in the family , and called him ` Jenkins ' on the spot . She liked his literary tendencies , but had reason to detest official Paul Prys , as we shall see later . Demi knew his own mind , however , and tranquilly carried out his plans , unmoved by the tongues of the anxious mammas or the jokes of his mates . Uncle Teddy encouraged him , and painted a splendid career , mentioning Dickens and other celebrities who began as reporters and ended as famous novelists or newspaper men . The girls were all flourishing . Daisy , as sweet and domestic as ever , was her mother 's comfort and companion . Josie at fourteen was a most original young person , full of pranks and peculiarities , the latest of which was a passion for the stage , which caused her quiet mother and sister much anxiety as well as amusement . Bess had grown into a tall , beautiful girl looking several years older than she was , with the same graceful ways and dainty tastes which the little Princess had , and a rich inheritance of both the father 's and mother 's gifts , fostered by every aid love and money could give . But the pride of the community was naughty Nan ; for , like so many restless , wilful children , she was growing into a woman full of the energy and promise that suddenly blossoms when the ambitious seeker finds the work she is fitted to do well . Nan began to study medicine at sixteen , and at twenty was getting on bravely ; for now , thanks to other intelligent women , colleges and hospitals were open to her .
She had never wavered in her purpose from the childish days when she shocked XXXXX in the old willow by saying : ' I do n't want any family to fuss over .
Bess Daisy Jenkins John Meg Plumfield Prys Ted first week