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 Daisy in the old willow by saying : ' I do n't want any family to fuss over . I shall have an office , with bottles and pestle things in it , and drive round and cure folks . ' The future foretold by the little girl the young woman was rapidly bringing to pass , and finding so much happiness in it that nothing could win her from the chosen work . Several worthy young gentlemen had tried to make her change her mind and choose , as Daisy did , ' a nice little house and family to take care of ' . But Nan only laughed , and routed the lovers by proposing to look at the tongue which spoke of adoration , or professionally felt the pulse in the manly hand offered for her acceptance . So all departed but one persistent youth , who was such a devoted Traddles it was impossible to quench him . This was Tom , who was as faithful to his child sweetheart as she to her ` pestle things ' , and gave a proof of fidelity that touched her very much . He studied medicine for her sake alone , having no taste for it , and a decided fancy for a mercantile life . But Nan was firm , and Tom stoutly kept on , devoutly hoping he might not kill many of his fellow-beings when he came to practise . They were excellent friends , however , and caused much amusement to their comrades , by the vicissitudes of this merry love-chase . Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs Meg and Mrs Jo were talking on the piazza .
Not together ; for Nan was walking briskly along the pleasant road alone , thinking over a case that interested her , and XXXXX was pegging on behind to overtake her , as if by accident , when the suburbs of the city were past -- a little way of his , which was part of the joke .
Bess Demi Dickens Jo Josie Nan Prys Tom adoration years