`` Trot out and ask Asia for the gingerbread-box , Demi . It is n't in order to eat between meals , but , on this joyful occasion , we wo n't mind , and have a cookie all round , '' said Mrs. Jo ; and when the box came she dealt them out with a liberal hand , every one munching away in a social circle . Suddenly , in the midst of a bite , Mr. Laurie cried out , `` Bless my heart , I forgot grandma 's bundle ! '' and running out to the carriage , returned with an interesting white parcel , which , being opened , disclosed a choice collection of beasts , birds , and pretty things cut out of crisp sugary cake , and baked a lovely brown . `` There 's one for each , and a letter to tell which is whose . Grandma and Hannah made them , and I tremble to think what would have happened to me if I had forgotten to leave them . '' Then , amid much laughing and fun , the cakes were distributed . A fish for Dan , a fiddle for Nat , a book for Demi , a money for Tommy , a flower for Daisy , a hoop for Nan , who had driven twice round the triangle without stopping , a star for Emil , who put on airs because he studied astronomy , and , best of all , an omnibus for Franz , whose great delight was to drive the family bus . Stuffy got a fat pig , and the little folks had birds , and cats , and rabbits , with black currant eyes . `` Now I must go . Where is my Goldilocks ? Mamma will come flying out to get her if I 'm not back early , '' said Uncle Teddy , when the last crumb had vanished , which it speedily did , you may be sure . The young ladies had gone into the garden , and while they waited till Franz looked them up , Jo and Laurie stood at the door talking together . `` How does little Giddy-gaddy come on ? '' he asked , for Nan 's pranks amused him very much , and he was never tired of teasing Jo about her . `` Nicely ; she is getting quite mannerly , and begins to see the error of her wild ways . '' `` Do n't the boys encourage her in them ? '' `` Yes ; but I keep talking , and lately she has improved much . You saw how prettily she shook hands with you , and how gentle she was with Bess . Daisy 's example has its effect upon her , and I 'm quite sure that a few months will work wonders . ''
Here Mrs. Jo 's remarks were cut short by the appearance of Nan tearing round the corner at a break-neck pace , driving a mettlesome team of four boys , and followed by Daisy trundling XXXXX in a wheelbarrow .
Asia Bess Daisy Demi Jo Laurie Nat Teddy Tommy gingerbread-box