Now , if you young people do n't want England to get ahead of us in many ways , you must bestir yourselves and keep abreast ; for our sisters are in earnest , you see , and do n't waste time worrying about their sphere , but make it wherever duty calls them . ' ` We will do our best , ma'am , ' answered the girls heartily , and trooped away with their work-baskets , feeling that though they might never be Harriet Martineaus , Elizabeth Brownings , or George Eliots , they might become noble , useful , and independent women , and earn for themselves some sweet title from the grateful lips of the poor , better than any a queen could bestow . Chapter 18 . CLASS DAY The clerk of the weather evidently has a regard for young people , and sends sunshine for class days as often as he can . An especially lovely one shone over Plumfield as this interesting anniversary came round , bringing the usual accompaniments of roses , strawberries , white-gowned girls , beaming youths , proud friends , and stately dignitaries full of well-earned satisfaction with the yearly harvest . As Laurence College was a mixed one , the presence of young women as students gave to the occasion a grace and animation entirely wanting where the picturesque half of creation appear merely as spectators . The hands that turned the pages of wise books also possessed the skill to decorate the hall with flowers ; eyes tired with study shone with hospitable warmth on the assembling guests ; and under the white muslins beat hearts as full of ambition , hope , and courage as those agitating the broadcloth of the ruling sex . College Hill , Parnassus , and old Plum swarmed with cheery faces , as guests , students , and professors hurried to and fro in the pleasant excitement of arriving and receiving . Everyone was welcomed cordially , whether he rolled up in a fine carriage , or trudged afoot to see the good son or daughter come to honour on the happy day that rewarded many a mutual sacrifice . Mr Laurie and his wife were on the reception committee , and their lovely house was overflowing . Mrs Meg , with Daisy and Jo as aides , was in demand among the girls , helping on belated toilettes , giving an eye to spreads , and directing the decorations . Mrs Jo had her hands full as President 's lady , and the mother of Ted ; for it took all the power and skill of that energetic woman to get her son into his Sunday best . Not that he objected to be well arrayed ; far from it ; he adored good clothes , and owing to his great height already revelled in a dress-suit , bequeathed him by a dandy friend . The effect was very funny ; but he would wear it in spite of the jeers of his mates , and sighed vainly for a beaver , because his stern parent drew the line there . He pleaded that English lads of ten wore them and were ` no end nobby ' ; but his mother only answered , with a consoling pat of the yellow mane : ` My child , you are absurd enough now ; if I let you add a tall hat , Plumfield would n't hold either of us , such would be the scorn and derision of all beholders . Content yourself with looking like the ghost of a waiter , and do n't ask for the most ridiculous head-gear in the known world . ' Denied this noble badge of manhood , Ted soothed his wounded soul by appearing in collars of an amazing height and stiffness , and ties which were the wonder of all female eyes . This freak was a sort of vengeance on his hard-hearted mother ; for the collars drove the laundress to despair , never being just right , and the ties required such art in the tying that three women sometimes laboured long before -- like Beau Brummel -- he turned from a heap of ` failures ' with the welcome words : ` That will do . ' Rob was devoted on these trying occasions , his own toilet being distinguished only by its speed , simplicity , and neatness . Ted was usually in a frenzy before he was suited , and roars , whistles , commands , and groans were heard from the den wherein the Lion raged and the Lamb patiently toiled .
Mrs Jo bore it till boots were hurled and a rain of hair-brushes set in , then , fearing for the safety of her eldest , she would go to the rescue , and by a wise mixture of fun and authority finally succeed in persuading XXXXX that he was ' a thing of beauty ' , if not ' a joy for ever ' .
DAY England Plumfield Rob Ted laundress nobby right whistles work-baskets