I do ; and I never saw the boy yet whom I could not get on capitally with after I had once found the soft spot in his heart . Bless me , I could n't get on at all without my flock of dear , noisy , naughty , harum-scarum little lads , could I , my Teddy ? '' and Mrs. Bhaer hugged the young rogue , just in time to save the big inkstand from going into his pocket . Nat , who had never heard anything like this before , really did not know whether Mother Bhaer was a trifle crazy , or the most delightful woman he had ever met . He rather inclined to the latter opinion , in spite of her peculiar tastes , for she had a way of filling up a fellow 's plate before he asked , of laughing at his jokes , gently tweaking him by the ear , or clapping him on the shoulder , that Nat found very engaging . `` Now , I think you would like to go into the school-room and practise some of the hymns we are to sing to-night , '' she said , rightly guessing the thing of all others that he wanted to do . Alone with the beloved violin and the music-book propped up before him in the sunny window , while Spring beauty filled the world outside , and Sabbath silence reigned within , Nat enjoyed an hour or two of genuine happiness , learning the sweet old tunes , and forgetting the hard past in the cheerful present . When the church-goers came back and dinner was over , every one read , wrote letters home , said their Sunday lessons , or talked quietly to one another , sitting here and there about the house . At three o'clock the entire family turned out to walk , for all the active young bodies must have exercise ; and in these walks the active young minds were taught to see and love the providence of God in the beautiful miracles which Nature was working before their eyes . Mr. Bhaer always went with them , and in his simple , fatherly way , found for his flock , `` Sermons in stones , books in the running brooks , and good in everything . '' Mrs. Bhaer with Daisy and her own two boys drove into town , to pay the weekly visit to Grandma , which was busy Mother Bhaer 's one holiday and greatest pleasure . Nat was not strong enough for the long walk , and asked to stay at home with Tommy , who kindly offered to do the honors of Plumfield . `` You 've seen the house , so come out and have a look at the garden , and the barn , and the menagerie , '' said Tommy , when they were left alone with Asia , to see that they did n't get into mischief ; for , though Tommy was one of the best-meaning boys who ever adorned knickerbockers , accidents of the most direful nature were always happening to him , no one could exactly tell how . `` What is your menagerie ? '' asked Nat , as they trotted along the drive that encircled the house . `` We all have pets , you see , and we keep 'em in the corn-barn , and call it the menagerie . Here you are . Is n't my guinea-pig a beauty ? '' and Tommy proudly presented one of the ugliest specimens of that pleasing animal that Nat ever saw . `` I know a boy with a dozen of 'em , and he said he 'd give me one , only I had n't any place to keep it , so I could n't have it .
It was white , with black spots , a regular rouser , and maybe I could XXXXX it for you if you 'd like it , '' said Nat , feeling it would be a delicate return for Tommy 's attentions .
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