` That was the only time you were kind to me . Wish I 'd lost my arm . ' ' I wish you 'd lost your head ; it smells more like turpentine and kerosene than ever . Do take a run in the garden and air it . ' Fearing to betray themselves by laughter , the watchers went on , leaving the Knight to rush away in despair , and the Lady to bury her nose in the cup of a tall lily for refreshment . ` Poor Tom , his fate is a hard one , and he 's wasting his time ! Do advise him to quit philandering and go to work , Jo . ' ' I have , Teddy , often ; but it will take some great shock to make that boy wise . I wait with interest to see what it will be . Bless me ! what is all this ? ' She might well ask ; for on a rustic stool stood Ted trying to pose on one foot , with the other extended , and both hands waving in the air . Josie , with several young mates , was watching his contortions with deep interest as they talked about ` little wings ' , ` gilded wire twisted ' , and a ` cunning skull-cap ' . ` This might be called `` Mercury Trying to Fly '' , ' said Mr Laurie , as they peeped through the lace curtains . ` Bless the long legs of that boy ! how does he expect to manage them ? They are planning for the Owlsdark Marbles , and a nice muddle they will make of my gods and goddesses with no one to show them how , ' answered Mrs Jo , enjoying this scene immensely . ` Now , he 's got it ! ' ` That 's perfectly splendid ! ' ` See how long you can keep so ! '
cried the girls , as XXXXX managed to maintain his equilibrium a moment by resting one toe on the trellis .
Jo Josie Laurie Owlsdark Ted Tom contortions goddesses muddle skull-cap