It was very becoming , and seemed the only balm to heal the wound made by the loss of the beloved hat . ` Take it off this moment , you audacious boy ! What would your father say to such a prank on this day when we must all behave our best ? ' said Mrs Jo , trying to frown , but privately thinking that among the many youths about her none were so beautiful and original as her long son . ` Let him wear it , Aunty ; it 's so becoming . No one will ever guess he is n't eighteen at least , ' cried Josie , to whom disguise of any sort was always charming . ` Father wo n't observe it ; he 'll be absorbed in his big-wigs and the girls . No matter if he does , he 'll enjoy the joke and introduce me as his oldest son . Rob is nowhere when I 'm in full fig ' ; and Ted took the stage with a tragic stalk , like Hamlet in a tail-coat and choker . ` My son , obey me ! ' and when Mrs Jo spoke in that tone her word was law . Later , however , the moustache appeared , and many strangers firmly believed that there were three young Bhaers . So Ted found one ray of joy to light his gloom . Mr Bhaer was a proud and happy man when , at the appointed hour , he looked down upon the parterre of youthful faces before him , thinking of the ` little gardens ' in which he had hopefully and faithfully sowed good seed years ago , and from which this beautiful harvest seemed to have sprung . Mr March 's fine old face shone with the serenest satisfaction , for this was the dream of his life fulfilled after patient waiting ; and the love and reverence in the countenances of the eager young men and women looking up at him plainly showed that the reward he coveted was his in fullest measure . Laurie always effaced himself on these occasions as much as courtesy would permit ; for everyone spoke gratefully in ode , poem , and oration of the founder of the college and noble dispenser of his beneficence . The three sisters beamed with pride as they sat among the ladies , enjoying , as only women can , the honour done the men they loved ; while ` the original Plums ' , as the younger ones called themselves , regarded the whole affair as their work , receiving the curious , admiring , or envious glances of strangers with a mixture of dignity and delight rather comical to behold . The music was excellent , and well it might be when Apollo waved the baton . The poems were -- as usual on such occasions -- of varied excellence , as the youthful speakers tried to put old truths into new words , and made them forceful by the enthusiasm of their earnest faces and fresh voices . It was beautiful to see the eager interest with which the girls listened to some brilliant brother-student , and applauded him with a rustle as of wind over a bed of flowers .
It was still more significant and pleasant to watch the young men 's faces when a slender white figure stood out against the background of black-coated dignitaries , and with cheeks that flushed and paled , and lips that trembled till earnest purpose conquered maiden fear , XXXXX to them straight out of a woman 's heart and brain concerning the hopes and doubts , the aspirations and rewards all must know , desire , and labour for .
appointed behold called enjoying looked loved see spoke waved wear