Josie took great credit to herself in the matter , insisting that she had made the match ; Daisy was full of the sweetest sympathy and joy , and Mrs Meg so happy that when Jo had gone to dream of bridal veils , and Demi sat in his room blissfully playing the air of ` Bide a Wee ' , she had her talk about Nat , ending with her arms round her dutiful daughter and these welcome words as her reward : ` Wait till Nat comes home , and then my good girl shall wear white roses too . ' Chapter 20 . LIFE FOR LIFE The summer days that followed were full of rest and pleasure for young and old , as they did the honours of Plumfield to their happy guests . While Franz and Emil were busy with the affairs of Uncle Hermann and Captain Hardy , Mary and Ludmilla made friends everywhere ; for , though very unlike , both were excellent and charming girls . Mrs Meg and Daisy found the German bride a Hausfrau after their own hearts , and had delightful times learning new dishes , hearing about the semi-yearly washes and the splendid linen-room at Hamburg , or discussing domestic life in all its branches . Ludmilla not only taught , but learned , many things , and went home with many new and useful ideas in her blonde head . Mary had seen so much of the world that she was unusually lively for an English girl ; while her various accomplishments made her a most agreeable companion . Much good sense gave her ballast ; and the late experiences of danger and happiness added a sweet gravity at times , which contrasted well with her natural gaiety . Mrs Jo was quite satisfied with Emil 's choice , and felt sure this true and tender pilot would bring him safe to port through fair or stormy weather . She had feared that Franz would settle down into a comfortable , moneymaking burgher , and be content with that ; but she soon saw that his love of music and his placid Ludmilla put much poetry into his busy life , and kept it from being too prosaic . So she felt at rest about these boys , and enjoyed their visit with real , maternal satisfaction ; parting with them in September most regretfully , yet hopefully , as they sailed away to the new life that lay before them . Demi 's engagement was confided to the immediate family only , as both were pronounced too young to do anything but love and wait . They were so happy that time seemed to stand still for them , and after a blissful week they parted bravely -- Alice to home duties , with a hope that sustained and cheered her through many trials ; and John to his business , full of a new ardour which made all things possible when such a reward was offered . Daisy rejoiced over them , and was never tired of hearing her brother 's plans for the future . Her own hope soon made her what she used to be -- a cheery , busy creature , with a smile , kind word , and helping hand for all ; and as she went singing about the house again , her mother felt that the right remedy for past sadness had been found . The dear Pelican still had doubts and fears , but kept them wisely to herself , preparing sundry searching tests to be applied when Nat came home , and keeping a sharp eye on the letters from London ; for some mysterious hint had flown across the sea , and Daisy 's content seemed reflected in Nat 's present cheerful state of mind . Having passed through the Werther period , and tried a little Faust -- of which experience he spoke to his Marguerite as if it had included an acquaintance with Mephistopheles , Blocksburg , and Auerbach 's wine-cellar -- he now felt that he was a Wilhelm Meister , serving his apprenticeship to the great masters of life . As she knew the truth of his small sins and honest repentance , Daisy only smiled at the mixture of love and philosophy he sent her , knowing that it was impossible for a young man to live in Germany without catching the German spirit . ` His heart is all right ; and his head will soon grow clear when he gets out of the fog of tobacco , beer , and metaphysics he 's been living in . England will wake up his common sense , and good salt air blow his little follies all away , ' said Mrs Jo , much pleased with the good prospects of her violinist -- whose return was delayed till spring , to his private regret , but professional advancement .
XXXXX had a month with Miss Cameron at the seaside , and threw herself so heartily into the lesson given her that her energy , promise , and patience laid the foundation of a friendship which was of infinite value to her in the busy , brilliant years to come ; for little Jo 's instincts were right ; and the dramatic talent of the Marches was to blossom by and by into an actress , virtuous , and beloved .
Blocksburg Franz German Germany Hamburg Hardy Josie Mary semi-yearly tobacco