The dinner was safely put upon the table ; the six dolls were seated three on a side ; Teddy took the bottom , and Sally the top . When all were settled , it was a most imposing spectacle , for one doll was in full ball costume , another in her night-gown ; Jerry , the worsted boy , wore his red winter suit , while Annabella , the noseless darling , was airily attired in nothing but her own kid skin . Teddy , as father of the family , behaved with great propriety , for he smilingly devoured everything offered him , and did not find a single fault . Daisy beamed upon her company like the weary , warm , but hospitable hostess so often to be seen at larger tables than this , and did the honors with an air of innocent satisfaction , which we do not often see elsewhere . The steak was so tough that the little carving-knife would not cut it ; the potato did not go round , and the squash was very lumpy ; but the guests appeared politely unconscious of these trifles ; and the master and mistress of the house cleared the table with appetites that anyone might envy them . The joy of skimming a jug-full of cream mitigated the anguish felt for the loss of the pies , and Asia 's despised cake proved a treasure in the way of dessert . `` That is the nicest lunch I ever had ; ca n't I do it every day ? '' asked Daisy as she scraped up and ate the leavings all round . `` You can cook things every day after lessons , but I prefer that you should eat your dishes at your regular meals , and only have a bit of gingerbread for lunch . To-day , being the first time , I do n't mind , but we must keep our rules . This afternoon you can make something for tea if you like , '' said Mrs. Jo , who had enjoyed the dinner-party very much , though no one had invited her to partake . `` Do let me make flapjacks for Demi , he loves them so , and it 's such fun to turn them and put sugar in between , '' cried Daisy , tenderly wiping a yellow stain off Annabella 's broken nose , for Bella had refused to eat squash when it was pressed upon her as good for `` lumatism , '' a complaint which it is no wonder she suffered from , considering the lightness of her attire . `` But if you give Demi goodies , all the others will expect some also , and then you will have your hands full . '' `` Could n't I have Demi come up to tea alone just this one time ? And after that I could cook things for the others if they were good , '' proposed Daisy , with a sudden inspiration . `` That is a capital idea , Posy ! We will make your little messes rewards for the good boys , and I do n't know one among them who would not like something nice to eat more than almost anything else . If little men are like big ones , good cooking will touch their hearts and soothe their tempers delightfully , '' added Aunt Jo , with a merry nod toward the door , where stood Papa Bhaer , surveying the scene with a face full of amusement . `` That last hit was for me , sharp woman . I accept it , for it is true ; but if I had married thee for thy cooking , heart 's dearest , I should have fared badly all these years , '' answered the professor , laughing as he tossed Teddy , who became quite apoplectic in his endeavors to describe the feast he had just enjoyed .
XXXXX proudly showed her kitchen , and rashly promised Uncle Fritz as many flapjacks as he could eat .
Annabella Bhaer Daisy Jerry Sally carving-knife gingerbread jug-full lumatism years