` Good lack ! What are we coming to in this fast age when babes and boys make such demands and want to play with one of the most sacred things in life ? ' exclaimed Mrs Jo , and having in a few words set the matter in its true light , sent her son away to wholesome baseball and Octoo for a safe sweetheart . Now , here was Tom 's bomb-shell to explode in their midst , carrying widespread destruction , perhaps ; for though one swallow does not make a summer , one engagement is apt to make several , and her boys were , most of them , at the inflammable age when a spark ignites the flame , which soon flickers and dies out , or burns warm and clear for life . Nothing could be done about it but to help them make wise choices , and be worthy of good mates . But of all the lessons Mrs Jo had tried to teach her boys , this great one was the hardest ; for love is apt to make lunatics of even saints and sages , so young people can not be expected to escape the delusions , disappointments , and mistakes , as well as the delights , of this sweet madness . ' I suppose it is inevitable , since we live in America , so I wo n't borrow trouble , but hope that some of the new ideas of education will produce a few hearty , happy , capable , and intelligent girls for my lads . Lucky for me that I have n't the whole twelve on my hands , I should lose my wits if I had , for I foresee complications and troubles ahead worse than Tom 's boats , bicycles , donkeys , and Doras , ' meditated Mrs Jo , as she went back to her neglected proof-sheets . Tom was quite satisfied with the tremendous effect his engagement produced in the little community at Plumfield . ` It was paralysing , ' as Demi said ; and astonishment left most of Tom 's mates little breath for chaff . That he , the faithful one , should turn from the idol to strange goddesses , was a shock to the romantic and a warning to the susceptible . It was comical to see the airs our Thomas put on ; for the most ludicrous parts of the affair were kindly buried in oblivion by the few who knew them , and Tom burst forth as a full-blown hero who had rescued the maiden from a watery grave , and won her gratitude and love by his daring deed . Dora kept the secret , and enjoyed the fun when she came to see Mother Bhaer and pay her respects to the family generally . Everyone liked her at once , for she was a gay and winning little soul ; fresh , frank , and so happy , it was beautiful to see her innocent pride in Tom , who was a new boy , or man rather ; for with this change in his life a great change took place in him . Jolly he would always be , and impulsive , but he tried to become all that Dora believed him , and his best side came uppermost for everyday wear . It was surprising to see how many good traits Tom had ; and his efforts to preserve the manly dignity belonging to his proud position as an engaged man was very comical . So was the entire change from his former abasement and devotion to Nan to a somewhat lordly air with his little betrothed ; for Dora made an idol of him , and resented the idea of a fault or a flaw in her Tom . This new state of things suited both , and the once blighted being bloomed finely in the warm atmosphere of appreciation , love , and confidence . He was very fond of the dear girl , but meant to be a slave no longer , and enjoyed his freedom immensely , quite unconscious that the great tyrant of the world had got hold of him for life . To his father 's satisfaction he gave up his medical studies , and prepared to go into business with the old gentleman , who was a flourishing merchant , ready now to make the way smooth and smile upon his marriage with Mr West 's well-endowed daughter .
The only thorn in Tom 's bed of roses was XXXXX 's placid interest in his affairs , and evident relief at his disloyalty .
America Bhaer Jo Nan Octoo Plumfield West burns chaff goddesses