You look like a nice , plump little Quakeress , Meg ; and no one will believe that big boy is your son , ' added Mrs Jo , as Demi came in shining with Sunday neatness , from his well-blacked boots to his smooth brown head . ` You flatter me , to soften my heart toward your boy . I know your ways , Jo , and I do n't give in . Be firm , and spare me a scene by and by . As for John , as long as he is satisfied with his old mother , I do n't care what people think , ' answered Mrs Meg , accepting with a smile the little posy of sweet peas and mignonette Demi brought her . Then , having buttoned her dove-coloured gloves with care , she took her son 's arm and went proudly away to the carriage , where Amy and Bess waited , while Jo called after them , just as Marmee used to do : ` Girls , have you got nice pocket-handkerchiefs ? ' They all smiled at the familiar words , and three white banners waved as they drove away , leaving the spider to watch for her first fly . She did not wait long . Daisy was lying down with a wet cheek on the little hymnbook out of which she and Nat used to sing together ; so Mrs Jo strolled about the lawn , looking very like a wandering mushroom with her large buff umbrella . Dan had gone for a ten-mile stroll ; and Nat was supposed to have accompanied him , but presently came sneaking back , unable to tear himself away from the Dovecote or lose a moment of nearness to his idol that last day . Mrs Jo saw him at once , and beckoned him to a rustic seat under the old elm , where they could have their confidences undisturbed , and both keep an eye on a certain white-curtained window , half hidden in vines . ` Nice and cool here . I 'm not up to one of Dan 's tramps today -- it 's so warm , and he goes so like a steam-engine . He headed for the swamp where his pet snakes used to live , and I begged to be excused , ' said Nat , fanning himself with his straw hat , though the day was not oppressive . ` I 'm glad you did . Sit and rest with me , and have one of our good old talks . We 've both been so busy lately , I feel as if I did n't half know your plans ; and I want to , ' answered Mrs Jo , feeling sure that though they might start with Leipzig they would bring up at Plumfield . ` You are very kind , and there 's nothing I 'd like better . I do n't realize I 'm going so far -- suppose I sha n't till I get afloat . It 's a splendid start , and I do n't know how I can ever thank Mr Laurie for all he 's done , or you either , ' added Nat , with a break in his voice ; for he was a tender-hearted fellow , and never forgot a kindness .
` You can XXXXX us beautifully by being and doing all we hope and expect of you , my dear .
beckoned brought care feeling give smiled swamp thank think watch