Franz was president , and maintained order admirably , considering the unruly nature of the members . Mr. Bhaer never interfered with their affairs , and was rewarded for this wise forbearance by being invited now and then to behold the mysteries unveiled , which he appeared to enjoy much . When Nan came she wished to join the Club , and caused great excitement and division among the gentlemen by presenting endless petitions , both written and spoken , disturbing their solemnities by insulting them through the key-hole , performing vigorous solos on the door , and writing up derisive remarks on walls and fences , for she belonged to the `` Irrepressibles . '' Finding these appeals in vain , the girls , by the advice of Mrs. Jo , got up an institution of their own , which they called the Cosy Club . To this they magnanimously invited the gentlemen whose youth excluded them from the other one , and entertained these favored beings so well with little suppers , new games devised by Nan , and other pleasing festivities , that , one by one , the elder boys confessed a desire to partake of these more elegant enjoyments , and , after much consultation , finally decided to propose an interchange of civilities . The members of the Cosy Club were invited to adorn the rival establishment on certain evenings , and to the surprise of the gentlemen their presence was not found to be a restraint upon the conversation or amusement of the regular frequenters ; which could not be said of all Clubs , I fancy . The ladies responded handsomely and hospitably to these overtures of peace , and both institutions flourished long and happily . CHAPTER IX . DAISY 'S BALL `` Mrs. Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr. John Brooke , Mr. Thomas Bangs , and Mr. Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at three o'clock today . `` P.S. Nat must bring his fiddle , so we can dance , and all the boys must be good , or they can not have any of the nice things we have cooked . '' This elegant invitation would , I fear , have been declined , but for the hint given in the last line of the postscript . `` They have been cooking lots of goodies , I smelt 'em . Let 's go , '' said Tommy . `` We need n't stay after the feast , you know , '' added Demi . `` I never went to a ball . What do you have to do ? '' asked Nat . `` Oh , we just play be men , and sit round stiff and stupid like grown-up folks , and dance to please the girls . Then we eat up everything , and come away as soon as we can . '' `` I think I could do that , '' said Nat , after considering Tommy 's description for a minute .
`` I 'll write and say we 'll come ; '' and XXXXX despatched the following gentlemanly reply , `` We will all come .
Blake Brooke Club DAISY Demi Jo Tommy evenings forbearance minute