I should n't like to make her sick , '' said Stuffy , eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly , yet putting it into the box . `` Oh , no , she wo n't touch it , if I tell her it is to look at , not to eat . She will keep it for weeks , and never think of tasting it . Can you do as much ? '' `` I should hope so ! I 'm ever so much older than she is , '' cried Stuffy , indignantly . `` Well , suppose we try . Here , put your bonbons in this bag , and see how long you can keep them . Let me count two hearts , four red fishes , three barley-sugar horses , nine almonds , and a dozen chocolate drops . Do you agree to that ? '' asked sly Mrs. Jo , popping the sweeties into her little spool-bag . `` Yes , '' said Stuffy , with a sigh ; and pocketing the forbidden fruit , he went away to give Bess the present , that won a smile from her , and permission to escort her round the garden . `` Poor Stuffy 's heart has really got the better of his stomach at last , and his efforts will be much encouraged by the rewards Bess gives him , '' said Mrs. Jo . `` Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learn self-denial from so sweet a little teacher ! '' added Mr. Bhaer , as the children passed the window , Stuffy 's fat face full of placid satisfaction , and Goldilocks surveying her sugar-rose with polite interest , though she would have preferred a real flower with a `` pitty smell . '' When her father came to take her home , a universal wail arose , and the parting gifts showered upon her increased her luggage to such an extent that Mr. Laurie proposed having out the big wagon to take it into town . Every one had given her something ; and it was found difficult to pack white mice , cake , a parcel of shells , apples , a rabbit kicking violently in a bag , a large cabbage for his refreshment , a bottle of minnows , and a mammoth bouquet . The farewell scene was moving , for the Princess sat upon the hall-table , surrounded by her subjects . She kissed her cousins , and held out her hand to the other boys , who shook it gently with various soft speeches , for they were taught not to be ashamed of showing their emotions . `` Come again soon , little dear , '' whispered Dan , fastening his best green-and-gold beetle in her hat .
`` Do n't forget me , XXXXX , whatever you do , '' said the engaging Tommy , taking a last stroke of the pretty hair .
Bess Jo Laurie Princess Stuffy bonbons pitty sugar-rose sweeties sweetmeat