Poor Tom got into trouble , as usual , by deluging his head with some highly scented preparation in the vain hope of making his tight curls lie flat and smooth , as was the style . Unhappily , his rebellious crop only kinked the closer , and the odour of many barbers ' shops clung to him in spite of his frantic efforts to banish it . Nan would n't allow him near her , and flapped her fan vigorously whenever he was in sight ; which cut him to the heart , and made him feel like the Peri shut out from Paradise . Of course his mates jeered at him , and nothing but the unquenchable jollity of his nature kept him from despair . Emil was resplendent in his new uniform , and danced with an abandon which only sailors know . His pumps seemed to be everywhere , and his partners soon lost breath trying to keep up with him ; but the girls all declared he steered like an angel , and in spite of his pace no collisions took place ; so he was happy , and found no lack of damsels to ship with him . Having no dress-suit , Dan had been coaxed to wear his Mexican costume , and feeling at ease in the many-buttoned trousers , loose jacket , and gay sash , flung his serape over his shoulder with a flourish and looked his best , doing great execution with his long spurs , as he taught Josie strange steps or rolled his black eyes admiringly after certain blonde damsels whom he dared not address . The mammas sat in the alcove , supplying pins , smiles , and kindly words to all , especially the awkward youths new to such scenes , and the bashful girls conscious of faded muslins and cleaned gloves . It was pleasant to see stately Mrs Amy promenade on the arm of a tall country boy , with thick boots and a big forehead , or Mrs Jo dance like a girl with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump-handles , and whose face was scarlet with confusion and pride at the honour of treading on the toes of the president 's wife . Mrs Meg always had room on her sofa for two or three girls , and Mr Laurie devoted himself to these plain , poorly dressed damsels with a kindly grace that won their hearts and made them happy . The good Professor circulated like refreshments , and his cheerful face shone on all alike , while Mr March discussed Greek comedy in the study with such serious gentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to frivolous joys . The long music-room , parlour , hall , and piazza were full of white-gowned maidens with attendant shadows ; the air was full of lively voices , and hearts and feet went lightly together as the home band played vigorously , and the friendly moon did her best to add enchantment to the scene . ` Pin me up , Meg ; that dear Dunbar boy has nearly rent me `` in sunder '' , as Mr Peggotty would say . But did n't he enjoy himself , bumping against his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop . On these occasions I find that I 'm not as young as I was , nor as light of foot . In ten years more we shall be meal-bags , sister ; so be resigned . ' And Mrs Jo subsided into a corner , much dishevelled by her benevolent exertions . ' I know I shall be stout ; but you wo n't keep still long enough to get much flesh on your bones , dear ; and Amy will always keep her lovely figure . She looks about eighteen tonight , in her white gown and roses , ' answered Meg , busily pinning up one sister 's torn frills , while her eyes fondly followed the other 's graceful movements ; for Meg still adored Amy in the old fashion . It was one of the family jokes that Jo was getting fat , and she kept it up , though as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline , which was very becoming .
They were laughing over the impending double chins , when Mr XXXXX came off duty for a moment .
Amy Dan Laurie Peggotty Professor jollity muslins parlour pump-handles years