And they did , singing with all their hearts as they flung artificial roses and lilies at the feet of the great men , who bowed with benign grace . Jack , who did Lafayette with a limp , covered himself with glory by picking up one of the bouquets and pressing it to his heart with all the gallantry of a Frenchman ; and when Washington lifted the smallest of the maids and kissed her , the audience cheered . Could n't help it , you know , it was so pretty and inspiring . The Washington Family , after the famous picture , came next , with Annette as the serene and sensible Martha , in a very becoming cap . The General was in uniform , there being no time to change , but his attitude was quite correct , and the Custis boy and girl displayed the wide sash and ruffled collar with historic fidelity . The band played `` Home , '' and every one agreed that it was `` Sweet ! '' `` Now I do n't see what more they can have except the death-bed , and that would be rather out of place in this gay company , '' said the old gentleman to Mr. Burton , as he mopped his heated face after pounding so heartily he nearly knocked the ferule off his cane . `` No ; they gave that up , for my boy would n't wear a night-gown in public . I ca n't tell secrets , but I think they have got a very clever little finale for the first part -- a pretty compliment to one person and a pleasant surprise to all , '' answered Mr. Burton , who was in great spirits , being fond of theatricals and very justly proud of his children , for the little girls had been among the Trenton maids , and the mimic General had kissed his own small sister , Nelly , very tenderly . A great deal of interest was felt as to what this surprise was to be , and a general `` Oh ! '' greeted the `` Minute Man , '' standing motionless upon his pedestal . It was Frank , and Ralph had done his best to have the figure as perfect as possible , for the maker of the original had been a good friend to him ; and , while the young sculptor was dancing gayly at the ball , this copy of his work was doing him honor among the children . Frank looked it very well , for his firm-set mouth was full of resolution , his eyes shone keen and courageous under the three-cornered hat , and the muscles stood out upon the bare arm that clutched the old gun . Even the buttons on the gaiters seemed to flash defiance , as the sturdy legs took the first step from the furrow toward the bridge where the young farmer became a hero when he `` fired the shot heard ` round the world . '' `` That is splendid ! '' `` As like to the original as flesh can be to bronze . '' `` How still he stands ! '' `` He 'll fight when the time comes , and die hard , wo n't he ? '' `` Hush ! You make the statue blush ! ''
These very audible remarks certainly did , for the color rose visibly as the modest lad heard himself praised , though he saw but one face in all the crowd , his mother 's , far back , but full of love and pride , as she XXXXX up at her young minute man waiting for the battle which often calls us when we least expect it , and for which she had done her best to make him ready .
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