Many of the collegians remained during vacation ; and Plumfield and Parnassus did their best to make these days pleasant for them , since most came from distant States , were poor , and had few opportunities but this for culture or amusement . Emil was hail-fellow-well-met with men and maids , and went rollicking about in true sailor fashion ; but Dan stood rather in awe of the ` fair girl-graduates ' , and was silent when among them , eyeing them as an eagle might a flock of doves . He got on better with the young men , and was their hero at once . Their admiration for his manly accomplishments did him good ; because he felt his educational defects keenly , and often wondered if he could find anything in books to satisfy him as thoroughly as did the lessons he was learning from Nature 's splendidly illustrated volume . In spite of his silence , the girls found out his good qualities , and regarded ` the Spaniard ' , as they named him , with great favour ; for his black eyes were more eloquent than his tongue , and the kind creatures tried to show their friendly interests in many charming ways . He saw this , and endeavoured to be worthy of it -- curbing his free speech , toning down his rough manners , and watching the effect of all he said and did , anxious to make a good impression . The social atmosphere warmed his lonely heart , the culture excited him to do his best , and the changes which had taken place during his absence , both in himself and others , made the old home seem like a new world . After the life in California , it was sweet and restful to be here , with these familiar faces round him , helping him to forget much that he regretted , and to resolve to deserve more entirely the confidence of these good fellows , the respect of these innocent girls . So there was riding , rowing , and picnicking by day , music , dancing , and plays by night ; and everyone said there had not been so gay a vacation for years . Bess kept her promise , and let the dust gather on her beloved clay while she went pleasuring with her mates or studied music with her father , who rejoiced over the fresh roses in her cheeks and the laughter which chased away the dreamy look she used to wear . Josie quarrelled less with Ted ; for Dan had a way of looking at her which quelled her instantly , and had almost as good an effect upon her rebellious cousin . But Octoo did even more for the lively youth , who found that her charms entirely eclipsed those of the bicycle which had been his heart 's delight before . Early and late he rode this untiring beast , and began to gain flesh -- to the great joy of his mother , who feared that her beanstalk was growing too fast for health . Demi , finding business dull , solaced his leisure by photographing everybody he could induce to sit or stand to him , producing some excellent pictures among many failures ; for he had a pretty taste in grouping , and endless patience . He might be said to view the world through the lens of his camera , and seemed to enjoy himself very much squinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black cambric . Dan was a treasure to him ; for he took well , and willingly posed in his Mexican costume , with horse and hound , and all wanted copies of these effective photographs . Bess , also , was a favourite sitter ; and Demi received a prize at the Amateur Photographic Exhibition for one of his cousin with all her hair about her face , which rose from the cloud of white lace draping the shoulders . These were freely handed round by the proud artist ; and one copy had a tender little history yet to be told . Nat was snatching every minute he could get with Daisy before the long parting ; and Mrs Meg relented somewhat , feeling sure that absence would quite cure this unfortunate fancy . Daisy said little ; but her gentle face was sad when she was alone , and a few quiet tears dropped on the handkerchiefs she marked so daintily with her own hair .
She was sure XXXXX would not forget her ; and life looked rather forlorn without the dear fellow who had been her friend since the days of patty-pans and confidences in the willow-tree .
Emil Mexican Nat Plumfield Ted days girl-graduates minute night years