Uncle Laurie was full of charming plans and prophecies and wrote one of his most delightful notes to thank their neighbour for her kindness ; while Bess , who loved art of all kinds , fully sympathized with her cousin 's ambitious hopes , only wondering why she preferred to act out her visions rather than embody them in marble . That first interview was not the last ; for Miss Cameron was really interested , and had several memorable conversations with the Laurences , while the girls sat by , drinking in every word with the delight all artists feel in their own beautiful world , and learning to see how sacred good gifts are , how powerful , and how faithfully they should be used for high ends , each in its own place helping to educate , refine , and refresh . Josie wrote reams to her mother ; and when the visit ended rejoiced her heart by bringing her a somewhat changed little daughter , who fell to work at the once-detested books with a patient energy which surprised and pleased everyone . The right string had been touched , and even French exercises and piano practice became endurable , since accomplishments would be useful by and by ; dress , manners , and habits were all interesting now , because ` mind and body , heart and soul , must be cultivated ' , and while training to become an ` intelligent , graceful , healthy girl ' , little Josie was unconsciously fitting herself to play her part well on whatever stage the great Manager might prepare for her . Chapter 9 . THE WORM TURNS Two very superior bicycles went twinkling up the road to Plumfield one September afternoon , bearing two brown and dusty riders evidently returning from a successful run , for though their legs might be a trifle weary , their faces beamed as they surveyed the world from their lofty perches with the air of calm content all wheelmen wear after they have learned to ride ; before that happy period anguish of mind and body is the chief expression of the manly countenance . ` Go ahead and report , Tom ; I 'm due here . See you later , ' said Demi , swinging himself down at the door of the Dovecote . ` Do n't peach , there 's a good fellow . Let me have it out with Mother Bhaer first , ' returned Tom , wheeling in at the gate with a heavy sigh . Demi laughed , and his comrade went slowly up the avenue , devoutly hoping that the coast was clear ; for he was the bearer of tidings which would , he thought , convulse the entire family with astonishment and dismay . To his great joy Mrs Jo was discovered alone in a grove of proof-sheets , which she dropped , to greet the returning wanderer cordially . But after the first glance she saw that something was the matter , recent events having made her unusually sharp-eyed and suspicious . ` What is it now , Tom ? ' she asked , as he subsided into an easy-chair with a curious expression of mingled fear , shame , amusement , and distress in his brick-red countenance . ` I 'm in an awful scrape , ma'am . ' ` Of course ; I 'm always prepared for scrapes when you appear . What is it ? Run over some old lady who is going to law about it ? ' asked Mrs Jo cheerfully .
` Worse than that , ' groaned XXXXX .
Bess Cameron Demi French Josie Laurie Tom afternoon right wheelmen