Little Rob was all right next day , but Nan had a headache , and lay on Mother Bhaer 's sofa with cold-cream upon her scratched face . Her remorse was quite gone , and she evidently thought being lost rather a fine amusement . Mrs. Jo was not pleased with this state of things , and had no desire to have her children led from the paths of virtue , or her pupils lying round loose in huckleberry fields . So she talked soberly to Nan , and tried to impress upon her mind the difference between liberty and license , telling several tales to enforce her lecture . She had not decided how to punish Nan , but one of these stories suggested a way , and as Mrs. Jo liked odd penalties , she tried it . `` All children run away , '' pleaded Nan , as if it was as natural and necessary a thing as measles or hooping cough . `` Not all , and some who do run away do n't get found again , '' answered Mrs. Jo . `` Did n't you do it yourself ? '' asked Nan , whose keen little eyes saw some traces of a kindred spirit in the serious lady who was sewing so morally before her . Mrs. Jo laughed , and owned that she did . `` Tell about it , '' demanded Nan , feeling that she was getting the upper hand in the discussion . Mrs. Jo saw that , and sobered down at once , saying , with a remorseful shake of the head , `` I did it a good many times , and led my poor mother rather a hard life with my pranks , till she cured me . '' `` How ? '' and Nan sat up with a face full of interest . `` I had a new pair of shoes once , and wanted to show them ; so , though I was told not to leave the garden , I ran away and was wandering about all day . It was in the city , and why I was n't killed I do n't know . Such a time as I had . I frolicked in the park with dogs , sailed boats in the Back Bay with strange boys , dined with a little Irish beggar-girl on salt fish and potatoes , and was found at last fast asleep on a door-step with my arms round a great dog . It was late in the evening , and I was a dirty as a little pig , and the new shoes were worn out I had travelled so far . '' `` How nice ! ''
cried XXXXX , looking all ready to go and do it herself .
Bay Bhaer Jo Nan Rob beggar-girl cold-cream day evening right