` My dear boy , when I was a girl I liked just such adventurous fellows as you are . Anything fresh and daring , free and romantic , is always attractive to us womenfolk . Do n't be discouraged ; you 'll find an anchor some day , and be content to take shorter voyages and bring home a good cargo . ' ` What should you say if I brought you an Indian squaw some day ? ' asked Dan , with a glimmer of mischief in the eyes that rested on a marble bust of Galatea gleaming white and lovely in the corner . ` Welcome her heartily , if she was a good one . Is there a prospect of it ? ' and Mrs Jo peered at him with the interest which even literary ladies take in love affairs . ` Not at present , thank you . I 'm too busy `` to gallivant '' , as Ted calls it . How is the boy ? ' asked Dan , skilfully turning the conversation , as if he had had enough of sentiment . Mrs Jo was off at once , and expatiated upon the talents and virtues of her sons till they came bursting in and fell upon Dan like two affectionate young bears , finding a vent for their joyful emotions in a sort of friendly wrestling-match ; in which both got worsted , of course , for the hunter soon settled them . The Professor followed , and tongues went like mill-clappers while Mary lighted up and cook devoted herself to an unusually good supper , instinctively divining that this guest was a welcome one . After tea Dan was walking up and down the long rooms as he talked , with occasional trips into the hall for a fresher breath of air , his lungs seeming to need more than those of civilized people . In one of these trips he saw a white figure framed in the dark doorway , and paused to look at it . Bess paused also , not recognizing her old friend , and quite unconscious of the pretty picture she made standing , tall and slender , against the soft gloom of the summer night , with her golden hair like a halo round her head , and the ends of a white shawl blown out like wings by the cool wind sweeping through the hail . ` Is it Dan ? ' she asked , coming in with a gracious smile and outstretched hand . ` Looks like it ; but I did n't know you , Princess .
I thought it was a spirit , ' answered XXXXX , looking down at her with a curious softness and wonder in his face .
Bess Dan Galatea Indian Jo Princess Professor Ted day womenfolk