There was much pleasant talk while the knives and forks rattled briskly , for certain Sunday lessons were to be learned , the Sunday walk settled , and plans for the week discussed . As he listened , Nat thought it seemed as if this day must be a very pleasant one , for he loved quiet , and there was a cheerful sort of hush over every thing that pleased him very much ; because , in spite of his rough life , the boy possessed the sensitive nerves which belong to a music-loving nature . `` Now , my lads , get your morning jobs done , and let me find you ready for church when the ` bus comes round , '' said Father Bhaer , and set the example by going into the school-room to get books ready for the morrow . Every one scattered to his or her task , for each had some little daily duty , and was expected to perform it faithfully . Some brought wood and water , brushed the steps , or ran errands for Mrs. Bhaer . Others fed the pet animals , and did chores about the barn with Franz . Daisy washed the cups , and Demi wiped them , for the twins liked to work together , and Demi had been taught to make himself useful in the little house at home . Even Baby Teddy had his small job to do , and trotted to and fro , putting napkins away , and pushing chairs into their places . For half and hour the lads buzzed about like a hive of bees , then the ` bus drove round , Father Bhaer and Franz with the eight older boys piled in , and away they went for a three-mile drive to church in town . Because of the troublesome cough Nat prefered to stay at home with the four small boys , and spent a happy morning in Mrs. Bhaer 's room , listening to the stories she read them , learning the hymns she taught them , and then quietly employing himself pasting pictures into an old ledger . `` This is my Sunday closet , '' she said , showing him shelves filled with picture-books , paint-boxes , architectural blocks , little diaries , and materials for letter-writing . `` I want my boys to love Sunday , to find it a peaceful , pleasant day , when they can rest from common study and play , yet enjoy quiet pleasures , and learn , in simple ways , lessons more important than any taught in school . Do you understand me ? '' she asked , watching Nat 's attentive face . `` You mean to be good ? '' he said , after hesitating a minute . `` Yes ; to be good , and to love to be good . It is hard work sometimes , I know very well ; but we all help one another , and so we get on . This is one of the ways in which I try to help my boys , '' and she took down a thick book , which seemed half-full of writing , and opened at a page on which there was one word at the top . `` Why , that 's my name ! ''
cried XXXXX , looking both surprised and interested .
Daisy Demi Nat day hour minute morning paint-boxes picture-books school-room