But the pride of the community was naughty Nan ; for , like so many restless , wilful children , she was growing into a woman full of the energy and promise that suddenly blossoms when the ambitious seeker finds the work she is fitted to do well . Nan began to study medicine at sixteen , and at twenty was getting on bravely ; for now , thanks to other intelligent women , colleges and hospitals were open to her . She had never wavered in her purpose from the childish days when she shocked Daisy in the old willow by saying : ' I do n't want any family to fuss over . I shall have an office , with bottles and pestle things in it , and drive round and cure folks . ' The future foretold by the little girl the young woman was rapidly bringing to pass , and finding so much happiness in it that nothing could win her from the chosen work . Several worthy young gentlemen had tried to make her change her mind and choose , as Daisy did , ' a nice little house and family to take care of ' . But Nan only laughed , and routed the lovers by proposing to look at the tongue which spoke of adoration , or professionally felt the pulse in the manly hand offered for her acceptance . So all departed but one persistent youth , who was such a devoted Traddles it was impossible to quench him . This was Tom , who was as faithful to his child sweetheart as she to her ` pestle things ' , and gave a proof of fidelity that touched her very much . He studied medicine for her sake alone , having no taste for it , and a decided fancy for a mercantile life . But Nan was firm , and Tom stoutly kept on , devoutly hoping he might not kill many of his fellow-beings when he came to practise . They were excellent friends , however , and caused much amusement to their comrades , by the vicissitudes of this merry love-chase . Both were approaching Plumfield on the afternoon when Mrs Meg and Mrs Jo were talking on the piazza . Not together ; for Nan was walking briskly along the pleasant road alone , thinking over a case that interested her , and Tom was pegging on behind to overtake her , as if by accident , when the suburbs of the city were past -- a little way of his , which was part of the joke . Nan was a handsome girl , with a fresh colour , clear eye , quick smile , and the self-poised look young women with a purpose always have . She was simply and sensibly dressed , walked easily , and seemed full of vigour , with her broad shoulders well back , arms swinging freely , and the elasticity of youth and health in every motion . The few people she met turned to look at her , as if it was a pleasant sight to see a hearty , happy girl walking countryward that lovely day ; and the red-faced young man steaming along behind , hat off and every tight curl wagging with impatience , evidently agreed with them . Presently a mild ` Hallo ! ' was borne upon the breeze , and pausing , with an effort to look surprised that was an utter failure , Nan said affably : ` Oh , is that you , Tom ? ' ` Looks like it .
Thought you might be XXXXX out today ' ; and Tom 's jovial face beamed with pleasure .
caused dressed fuss gave interested laughed said shocked talking walking