I will begin with the oldest , and ask the mother what she will have in her plot , for we are all parts of the beautiful garden , and may have rich harvests for our Master if we love Him enough , '' said Father Bhaer . `` I shall devote the whole of my plot to the largest crop of patience I can get , for that is what I need most , '' said Mrs. Jo , so soberly that the lads fell to thinking in good earnest what they should say when their turns came , and some among them felt a twinge of remorse , that they had helped to use up Mother Bhaer 's stock of patience so fast . Franz wanted perseverance , Tommy steadiness , Ned went in for good temper , Daisy for industry , Demi for `` as much wiseness as Grandpa , '' and Nat timidly said he wanted so many things he would let Mr. Bhaer choose for him . The others chose much the same things , and patience , good temper , and generosity seemed the favorite crops . One boy wished to like to get up early , but did not know what name to give that sort of seed ; and poor Stuffy sighed out , `` I wish I loved my lessons as much as I do my dinner , but I ca n't . '' `` We will plant self-denial , and hoe it and water it , and make it grow so well that next Christmas no one will get ill by eating too much dinner . If you exercise your mind , George , it will get hungry just as your body does , and you will love books almost as much as my philosopher here , '' said Mr. Bhaer ; adding , as he stroked the hair off Demi 's fine forehead , `` You are greedy also , my son , and you like to stuff your little mind full of fairy tales and fancies , as well as George likes to fill his little stomach with cake and candy . Both are bad , and I want you to try something better . Arithmetic is not half so pleasant as ` Arabian Nights , ' I know , but it is a very useful thing , and now is the time to learn it , else you will be ashamed and sorry by and by . '' `` But , ` Harry and Lucy , ' and ` Frank , ' are not fairy books , and they are all full of barometers , and bricks , and shoeing horses , and useful things , and I 'm fond of them ; ai n't I , Daisy ? '' said Demi , anxious to defend himself . `` So they are ; but I find you reading ` Roland and Maybird , ' a great deal oftener than ` Harry and Lucy , ' and I think you are not half so fond of ` Frank ' as you are of ` Sinbad . ' Come , I shall make a little bargain with you both , George shall eat but three times a day , and you shall read but one story-book a week , and I will give you the new cricket-ground ; only , you must promise to play in it , '' said Uncle Fritz , in his persuasive way , for Stuffy hated to run about , and Demi was always reading in play hours . `` But we do n't like cricket , '' said Demi . `` Perhaps not now , but you will when you know it . Besides , you do like to be generous , and the other boys want to play , and you can give them the new ground if you choose . '' This was taken them both on the right side , and they agreed to the bargain , to the great satisfaction of the rest . There was a little more talk about the gardens , and then they all sang together . The band delighted Nat , for Mrs. Bhaer played the piano , Franz the flute , Mr. Bhaer a bass viol , and he himself the violin . A very simple little concert , but all seemed to enjoy it , and old Asia , sitting in the corner , joined at times with the sweetest voice of any , for in this family , master and servant , old and young , black and white , shared in the Sunday song , which went up to the Father of them all .
After this they each shook hands with Father Bhaer ; Mother Bhaer kissed them every one from sixteen-year-old XXXXX to little Rob , how kept the tip of her nose for his own particular kisses , and then they trooped up to bed .
Arithmetic Franz Maybird Nat Ned Sinbad Tommy hours viol week