A jolly Bacchus astride of his cask took Vulcan 's place , and appeared to be very comfortable with a beer-mug in one hand , a champagne bottle in the other , and a garland of grapes on his curly head . He was the text of a short temperance lecture , aimed directly at a row of smart young gentlemen who lined the walls of the auditorium . George Cole was seen to dodge behind a pillar at one point , Dolly nudged his neighbour at another , and there was laughter all along the line as the Professor glared at them through his big glasses , and dragged their bacchanalian orgies to the light and held them up to scorn . Seeing the execution he had done , the learned man turned to the lovely Diana , who stood as white and still as the plaster stag beside her , with sandals , bow , and crescent ; quite perfect , and altogether the best piece of statuary in the show . She was very tenderly treated by the paternal critic who , merely alluding to her confirmed spinsterhood , fondness for athletic sports , and oracular powers , gave a graceful little exposition of true art and passed on to the last figure . This was Apollo in full fig , his curls skilfully arranged to hide a well-whitened patch over the eye , his handsome legs correctly poised , and his gifted fingers about to draw divine music from the silvered gridiron which was his lyre . His divine attributes were described , as well as his little follies and failings , among which were his weakness for photography and flute-playing , his attempts to run a newspaper , and his fondness for the society of the Muses ; which latter slap produced giggles and blushes among the girl-graduates , and much mirth among the stricken youths ; for misery loves company , and after this they began to rally . Then , with a ridiculous conclusion , the Professor bowed his thanks ; and after several recalls the curtain fell , but not quickly enough to conceal Mercury , wildly waving his liberated legs , Hebe dropping her teapot , Bacchus taking a lovely roll on his barrel , and Mrs Juno rapping the impertinent Owlsdark on the head with Jove 's ruler . While the audience filed out to supper in the hall , the stage was a scene of dire confusion as gods and goddesses , farmers and barons , maids and carpenters , congratulated one another on the success of their labours . Assuming various costumes , actors and actresses soon joined their guests , to sip bounteous draughts of praise with their coffee , and cool their modest blushes with ice-cream . Mrs Meg was a proud and happy woman when Miss Cameron came to her as she sat by Josie , with Demi serving both , and said , so cordially that it was impossible to doubt the sincerity of her welcome words : ` Mrs Brooke , I no longer wonder where your children get their talent . I make my compliments to the Baron and next summer you must let me have little `` Dolly '' as a pupil when we are at the beach . ' One can easily imagine how this offer was received , as well as the friendly commendation bestowed by the same kind critic on the work of Beaumont and Fletcher , who hastened to explain that this trifle was only an attempt to make nature and art go hand in hand , with little help from fine writing or imposing scenery . Everybody was in the happiest mood , especially ` little Dolly ' , who danced like a will-o ' - the-wisp with light-footed Mercury and Apollo as he promenaded with the Marquise on his arm , who seemed to have left her coquetry in the green room with her rouge . When all was over , Mrs Juno said to Jove , to whose arm she clung as they trudged home along the snowy paths : ` Fritz dear , Christmas is a good time for new resolutions , and I 've made one never to be impatient or fretful with my beloved husband again . I know I am , though you wo n't own it ; but Laurie 's fun had some truth in it , and I felt hit in a tender spot . Henceforth I am a model wife , else I do n't deserve the dearest , best man ever born ' ; and being in a dramatic mood , Mrs Juno tenderly embraced her excellent Jove in the moonlight , to the great amusement of sundry lingerers behind them . So all three plays might be considered successes , and that merry Christmas night a memorable one in the March family ; for Demi got an unspoken question answered , Josie 's fondest wish was granted , and , thanks to Professor Owlsdark 's jest , Mrs Jo made Professor Bhaer 's busy life quite a bed of roses by the keeping of her resolution . A few days later she had her reward for this burst of virtue in Dan 's letter , which set her fears at rest and made her very happy , though she was unable to tell him so , because he sent her no address . Chapter 15 .
WAITING ` My wife , I have bad news for thee , ' said Professor XXXXX , coming in one day early in January .
Apollo Bhaer Dan Diana Jove Owlsdark Vulcan execution labours the-wisp