Demi walked at the head of the procession , and Mrs. Jo brought up the rear , escorted by Kit . It was a most imposing party , I assure you , for Toby had a red feather-duster in his head , two remarkable flags waved over the carriage , Kit had a blue bow on his neck , which nearly drove him wild , Demi wore a nosegay of dandelions in his buttonhole , and Mrs. Jo carried the queer Japanese umbrella in honor of the occasion . The girls had little flutters of excitement all the way ; and Teddy was so charmed with the drive that he kept dropping his hat overboard , and when it was taken from him he prepared to tumble out himself , evidently feeling that it behooved him to do something for the amusement of the party . When they came to the hill `` nothing was to be seen but the grass blowing in the wind , '' as the fairy books say , and the children looked disappointed . But Demi said , in his most impressive manner , `` Now , you all get out and stand still , and the surprise party with come in ; '' with which remark he retired behind a rock , over which heads had been bobbing at intervals for the last half-hour . A short pause of intense suspense , and then Nat , Demi , and Tommy marched forth , each bearing a new kite , which they presented to the three young ladies . Shrieks of delight arose , but were silenced by the boys , who said , with faces brimful of merriment , `` That is n't all the surprise ; '' and , running behind the rock , again emerged bearing a fourth kite of superb size , on which was printed , in bright yellow letters , `` For Mother Bhaer . '' `` We thought you 'd like one , too , because you were angry with us , and took the girls ' part , '' cried all three , shaking with laughter , for this part of the affair evidently was a surprise to Mrs. Jo . She clapped her hands , and joined in the laugh , looking thoroughly tickled at the joke . `` Now , boys , that is regularly splendid ! Who did think of it ? '' she asked , receiving the monster kite with as much pleasure as the little girls did theirs . `` Uncle Fritz proposed it when we planned to make the others ; he said you 'd like it , so we made a bouncer , '' answered Demi , beaming with satisfaction at the success of the plot . `` Uncle Fritz knows what I like . Yes , these are magnificent kites , and we were wishing we had some the other day when you were flying yours , were n't we , girls ? '' `` That 's why we made them for you , '' cried Tommy , standing on his head as the most appropriate way of expressing his emotions . `` Let us fly them , '' said energetic Nan . `` I do n't know how , '' began Daisy . `` We 'll show you , we want to ! '' cried all the boys in a burst of devotion , as Demi took Daisy 's , Tommy Nan 's , and Nat , with difficulty , persuaded Bess to let go her little blue one .
`` Aunty , if you will wait a minute , we 'll pitch yours for you , '' said XXXXX , feeling that Mrs. Bhaer 's favor must not be lost again by any neglect of theirs .
Bhaer Daisy Demi Fritz Teddy Toby bouncer buttonhole feather-duster kites