She has a whitlow , and it 's time to lance it . I 'll tea at college , ' answered Nan , feeling in her pocket to be sure she had not forgotten her case of instruments . ` Thanks , I 'm going there also . Tom Merryweather has granulated lids , and I promised to touch them up for him . Save a doctor 's fee and be good practice for me . I 'm clumsy with my thumbs , ' said Tom , bound to be near his idol while he could . ` Hush ! Daisy does n't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work . Muffins suit us better ' ; and Ted grinned sweetly , with a view to future favours in the eating line . ` Any news of the Commodore ? ' asked Tom . ` He is on his way home , and Dan hopes to come soon . I long to see my boys together , and have begged the wanderers to come to Thanksgiving , if not before , ' answered Mrs Jo , beaming at the thought . ` They 'll come , every man of them , if they can . Even Jack will risk losing a dollar for the sake of one of our jolly old dinners , ' laughed Tom . ` There 's the turkey fattening for the feast . I never chase him now , but feed him well ; and he 's `` swellin ' wisibly '' , bless his drumsticks ! ' said Ted , pointing out the doomed fowl proudly parading in a neighbouring field . ` If Nat goes the last of the month we shall want a farewell frolic for him . I suppose the dear old Chirper will come home a second Ole Bull , ' said Nan to her friend .
A pretty colour came into XXXXX 's cheek , and the folds of muslin on her breast rose and fell with a quick breath ; but she answered placidly : ` Uncle Laurie says he has real talent , and after the training he will get abroad he can command a good living here , though he may never be famous . '
Chirper Daisy Jack Merryweather Nan Tom drumsticks favours swellin whitlow