But Nan was firm , and Tom stoutly kept on , devoutly hoping he might not kill many of his fellow-beings when he came to practise . They were excellent friends , however , and caused much amusement to their comrades , by the vicissitudes of this merry love-chase . Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs Meg and Mrs Jo were talking on the piazza . Not together ; for Nan was walking briskly along the pleasant road alone , thinking over a case that interested her , and Tom was pegging on behind to overtake her , as if by accident , when the suburbs of the city were past -- a little way of his , which was part of the joke . Nan was a handsome girl , with a fresh colour , clear eye , quick smile , and the self-poised look young women with a purpose always have . She was simply and sensibly dressed , walked easily , and seemed full of vigour , with her broad shoulders well back , arms swinging freely , and the elasticity of youth and health in every motion . The few people she met turned to look at her , as if it was a pleasant sight to see a hearty , happy girl walking countryward that lovely day ; and the red-faced young man steaming along behind , hat off and every tight curl wagging with impatience , evidently agreed with them . Presently a mild ` Hallo ! ' was borne upon the breeze , and pausing , with an effort to look surprised that was an utter failure , Nan said affably : ` Oh , is that you , Tom ? ' ` Looks like it . Thought you might be walking out today ' ; and Tom 's jovial face beamed with pleasure . ` You knew it . How is your throat ? ' asked Nan in her professional tone , which was always a quencher to undue raptures . ` Throat ? Oh , ah ! yes , I remember . It is well . The effect of that prescription was wonderful . I 'll never call homoeopathy a humbug again . '
` You were the XXXXX this time , and so were the unmedicated pellets I gave you .
Jo Meg Plumfield Tom afternoon countryward day homoeopathy humbug quencher