` My son , obey me ! ' and when Mrs Jo spoke in that tone her word was law . Later , however , the moustache appeared , and many strangers firmly believed that there were three young Bhaers . So Ted found one ray of joy to light his gloom . Mr Bhaer was a proud and happy man when , at the appointed hour , he looked down upon the parterre of youthful faces before him , thinking of the ` little gardens ' in which he had hopefully and faithfully sowed good seed years ago , and from which this beautiful harvest seemed to have sprung . Mr March 's fine old face shone with the serenest satisfaction , for this was the dream of his life fulfilled after patient waiting ; and the love and reverence in the countenances of the eager young men and women looking up at him plainly showed that the reward he coveted was his in fullest measure . Laurie always effaced himself on these occasions as much as courtesy would permit ; for everyone spoke gratefully in ode , poem , and oration of the founder of the college and noble dispenser of his beneficence . The three sisters beamed with pride as they sat among the ladies , enjoying , as only women can , the honour done the men they loved ; while ` the original Plums ' , as the younger ones called themselves , regarded the whole affair as their work , receiving the curious , admiring , or envious glances of strangers with a mixture of dignity and delight rather comical to behold . The music was excellent , and well it might be when Apollo waved the baton . The poems were -- as usual on such occasions -- of varied excellence , as the youthful speakers tried to put old truths into new words , and made them forceful by the enthusiasm of their earnest faces and fresh voices . It was beautiful to see the eager interest with which the girls listened to some brilliant brother-student , and applauded him with a rustle as of wind over a bed of flowers . It was still more significant and pleasant to watch the young men 's faces when a slender white figure stood out against the background of black-coated dignitaries , and with cheeks that flushed and paled , and lips that trembled till earnest purpose conquered maiden fear , spoke to them straight out of a woman 's heart and brain concerning the hopes and doubts , the aspirations and rewards all must know , desire , and labour for . This clear , sweet voice seemed to reach and rouse all that was noblest in the souls of these youths , and to set a seal upon the years of comradeship which made them sacred and memorable for ever . Alice Heath 's oration was unanimously pronounced the success of the day ; for without being flowery or sentimental , as is too apt to be the case with these first efforts of youthful orators , it was earnest , sensible , and so inspiring that she left the stage in a storm of applause , the good fellows being as much fired by her stirring appeal to ` march shoulder to shoulder ' , as if she had chanted the ` Marseillaise ' then and there . One young man was so excited that he nearly rushed out of his seat to receive her as she hastened to hide herself among her mates , who welcomed her with faces full of tender pride and tearful eye . A prudent sister detained him , however , and in a moment he was able to listen with composure to the President 's remarks . They were worth listening to , for Mr Bhaer spoke like a father to the children whom he was dismissing to the battle of life ; and his tender , wise , and helpful words lingered in their hearts long after the praise was forgotten . Then came other exercises peculiar to Plumfield , and the end . Why the roof did not fly off when the sturdy lungs of the excited young men pealed out the closing hymn will for ever be a mystery ; but it remained firm , and only the fading garlands vibrated as the waves of music rolled up and died away , leaving sweet echoes to haunt the place for another year . Dinners and spreads consumed the afternoon , and at sunset came a slight lull as everyone sought some brief repose before the festivities of the evening began .
The XXXXX 's reception was one of the enjoyable things in store , also dancing on Parnassus , and as much strolling , singing , and flirting , as could be compressed into a few hours by youths and maidens just out of school .
Heath Jo Mr Plumfield President Ted countenances evening garlands serenest