You see , Fritz , I feel a great sympathy for Nan , because I was such a naughty child myself that I know all about it . She is full of spirits , and only needs to be taught what to do with them to be as nice a little girl as Daisy . Those quick wits of hers would enjoy lessons if they were rightly directed , and what is now a tricksy midget would soon become a busy , happy child . I know how to manage her , for I remember how my blessed mother managed me , and -- '' `` And if you succeed half as well as she did , you will have done a magnificent work , '' interrupted Mr. Bhaer , who labored under the delusion that Mrs. B. was the best and most charming woman alive . `` Now , if you make fun of my plan I 'll give you bad coffee for a week , and then where are you , sir ? '' cried Mrs. Jo , tweaking him by the ear just as if he was one of the boys . `` Wo n't Daisy 's hair stand erect with horror at Nan 's wild ways ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer , presently , when Teddy had swarmed up his waistcoat , and Rob up his back , for they always flew at their father the minute school was done . `` At first , perhaps , but it will do Posy good . She is getting prim and Bettyish , and needs stirring up a bit . She always has a good time when Nan comes over to play , and the two will help each other without knowing it . Dear me , half the science of teaching is knowing how much children do for one another , and when to mix them . '' `` I only hope she wo n't turn out another firebrand . '' `` My poor Dan ! I never can quite forgive myself for letting him go , '' sighed Mrs. Bhaer . At the sound of the name , little Teddy , who had never forgotten his friend , struggled down from his father 's arms , and trotted to the door , looked out over the sunny lawn with a wistful face , and then trotted back again , saying , as he always did when disappointed of the longed-for sight , `` My Danny 's tummin ' soon . '' `` I really think we ought to have kept him , if only for Teddy 's sake , he was so fond of him , and perhaps baby 's love would have done for him what we failed to do . '' `` I 've sometimes felt that myself ; but after keeping the boys in a ferment , and nearly burning up the whole family , I thought it safer to remove the firebrand , for a time at least , '' said Mr. Bhaer . `` Dinner 's ready , let me ring the bell , '' and Rob began a solo upon that instrument which made it impossible to hear one 's self speak . `` Then I may have Nan , may I ? ''
asked Mrs. XXXXX .
Bettyish Bhaer Dan Danny Fritz Jo Nan first tummin week