`` Now we shall try a new way . You and I will read these pleasant little marchen together , and dig no more in that dry book , that goes in the corner for making us trouble . '' He spoke so kindly , and opened Hans Anderson 's fairy tales so invitingly before me , that I was more ashamed than ever , and went at my lesson in a neck-or-nothing style that seemed to amuse him immensely . I forgot my bashfulness , and pegged away -LRB- no other word will express it -RRB- with all my might , tumbling over long words , pronouncing according to inspiration of the minute , and doing my very best . When I finished reading my first page , and stopped for breath , he clapped his hands and cried out in his hearty way , `` Das ist gut ! Now we go well ! My turn . I do him in German , gif me your ear . '' And away he went , rumbling out the words with his strong voice and a relish which was good to see as well as hear . Fortunately the story was The Constant Tin Soldier , which is droll , you know , so I could laugh , and I did , though I did n't understand half he read , for I could n't help it , he was so earnest , I so excited , and the whole thing so comical . After that we got on better , and now I read my lessons pretty well , for this way of studying suits me , and I can see that the grammar gets tucked into the tales and poetry as one gives pills in jelly . I like it very much , and he does n't seem tired of it yet , which is very good of him , is n't it ? I mean to give him something on Christmas , for I dare not offer money . Tell me something nice , Marmee . I 'm glad Laurie seems so happy and busy , that he has given up smoking and lets his hair grow . You see Beth manages him better than I did . I 'm not jealous , dear , do your best , only do n't make a saint of him . I 'm afraid I could n't like him without a spice of human naughtiness . Read him bits of my letters . I have n't time to write much , and that will do just as well .
Thank Heaven XXXXX continues so comfortable .
Anderson Beth German Laurie Marmee bashfulness first gif naughtiness smoking