Then they shook hands , and Mr. Laurie put Bess into her aunt 's arms , saying , as the child hugged her tight , `` Goldilocks wanted to see you so much that I ran away with her , for I was quite pining for a sight of you myself . We want to play with your boys for an hour or so , and to see how ` the old woman who lived in a shoe , and had so many children she did not know what to do , ' is getting on . '' `` I 'm so glad ! Play away , and do n't get into mischief , '' answered Mrs. Jo , as the lads crowded round the pretty child , admiring her long golden hair , dainty dress , and lofty ways , for the little `` Princess , '' as they called her , allowed no one to kiss her , but sat smiling down upon them , and graciously patting their heads with her little , white hands . They all adored her , especially Rob , who considered her a sort of doll , and dared not touch her lest she should break , but worshipped her at a respectful distance , made happy by an occasional mark of favor from her little highness . As she immediately demanded to see Daisy 's kitchen , she was borne off by Mrs. Jo , with a train of small boys following . The others , all but Nat and Demi , ran away to the menagerie and gardens to have all in order ; for Mr. Laurie always took a general survey , and looked disappointed if things were not flourishing . Standing on the steps , he turned to Dan , saying like an old acquaintance , though he had only seen him once or twice before , `` How is the foot ? '' `` Better , sir . '' `` Rather tired of the house , are n't you ? '' `` Guess I am ! '' and Dan 's eyes roved away to the green hills and woods where he longed to be . `` Suppose we take a little turn before the others come back ? That big , easy carriage will be quite safe and comfortable , and a breath of fresh air will do you good . Get a cushion and a shawl , Demi , and let 's carry Dan off . '' The boys thought it a capital joke , and Dan looked delighted , but asked , with an unexpected burst of virtue , `` Will Mrs. Bhaer like it ? '' `` Oh , yes ; we settled all that a minute ago . '' `` You did n't say any thing about it , so I do n't see how you could , '' said Demi , inquisitively . `` We have a way of sending messages to one another , without any words . It is a great improvement on the telegraph . ''
`` I know it 's eyes ; I saw you lift your eyebrows , and nod toward the carriage , and Mrs. Bhaer laughed and nodded back again , '' cried Nat , who was quite at his ease with kind Mr. XXXXX by this time .
Bess Bhaer Daisy Dan Demi Jo Laurie Nat Princess hour