I was studying my part in the willow , and Ted came slyly up and poked the book out of my hands with his rod . It fell in the brook , and before I could scrabble down he was off . You wretch , give it back this moment or I 'll box your ears , ' cried Josie , laughing and scolding in the same breath . Escaping from Tom , Ted struck a sentimental attitude , and with tender glances at the wet , torn young person before him , delivered Claude Melnotte 's famous speech in a lackadaisical way that was irresistibly funny , ending with ` Dost like the picture , love ? ' as he made an object of himself by tying his long legs in a knot and distorting his face horribly . The sound of applause from the piazza put a stop to these antics , and the young folks went up the avenue together very much in the old style when Tom drove four in hand and Nan was the best horse in the team . Rosy , breathless , and merry , they greeted the ladies and sat down on the steps to rest , Aunt Meg sewing up her daughter 's rags while Mrs Jo smoothed the Lion 's mane , and rescued the book . Daisy appeared in a moment to greet her friend , and all began to talk . ` Muffins for tea ; better stay and eat 'em ; Daisy 's never fail , ' said Ted hospitably . ` He 's a judge ; he ate nine last time . That 's why he 's so fat , ' added Josie , with a withering glance at her cousin , who was as thin as a lath . ' I must go and see Lucy Dove . She has a whitlow , and it 's time to lance it . I 'll tea at college , ' answered Nan , feeling in her pocket to be sure she had not forgotten her case of instruments . ` Thanks , I 'm going there also . Tom Merryweather has granulated lids , and I promised to touch them up for him . Save a doctor 's fee and be good practice for me . I 'm clumsy with my thumbs , ' said Tom , bound to be near his idol while he could . ` Hush ! Daisy does n't like to hear you saw-bones talk of your work .
Muffins suit us better ' ; and XXXXX grinned sweetly , with a view to future favours in the eating line .
Daisy Dove Jo Josie Melnotte Merryweather Nan Ted Tom mane