You always see the boys , you know , though you harden your heart to the poor girls , ' said Rob , who had heard from his brother about the morning visitations . ` Boys do n't gush , so I can stand it . The last time I let in a party of girls one fell into my arms and said , `` Darling , love me ! '' I wanted to shake her , ' answered Mrs Jo , wiping her pen with energy . ` You may be sure the fellows wo n't do it , but they will want autographs , so you 'd better be prepared with a few dozen , ' said Rob , laying out a quire of notepaper , being a hospitable youth and sympathizing with those who admired his mother . ` They ca n't outdo the girls . At X College I really believe I wrote three hundred during the day I was there , and I left a pile of cards and albums on my table when I came away . It is one of the most absurd and tiresome manias that ever afflicted the world . ' Nevertheless Mrs Jo wrote her name a dozen times , put on her black silk , and resigned herself to the impending call , praying for rain , however , as she returned to her work . The shower came , and feeling quite secure , she rumpled up her hair , took off her cuffs , and hurried to finish her chapter ; for thirty pages a day was her task , and she liked to have it well done before evening . Josie had brought some flowers for the vases , and was just putting the last touches when she saw several umbrellas bobbing down the hill . ` They are coming , Aunty ! I see uncle hurrying across the field to receive them , ' she called at the stair-foot . ` Keep an eye on them , and let me know when they enter the avenue . It will take but a minute to tidy up and run down , ' answered Mrs Jo , scribbling away for dear life , because serials wait for no man , not even the whole Christian Union en masse . ` There are more than two or three . I see half a dozen at least , ' called sister Ann from the hall door . ` No ! a dozen , I do believe ; Aunty , look out ; they are all coming ! What shall we do ? '
And XXXXX quailed at the idea of facing the black throng rapidly approaching .
Aunty Jo Josie manias masse minute morning notepaper serials stair-foot