Ned hammered at strange machines in the workshop , Demi and Tommy went about murmuring to themselves as if learning something . A fearful racket was heard in Emil 's room at intervals , and peals of laughter from the nursery when Rob and Teddy were sent for and hidden from sight whole hours at a time . But the thing that puzzled Mr. Bhaer the most was what became of Rob 's big pumpkin . It had been borne in triumph to the kitchen , where a dozen golden-tinted pies soon after appeared . It would not have taken more than a quarter of the mammoth vegetable to make them , yet where was the rest ? It disappeared , and Rob never seemed to care , only chuckled when it was mentioned , and told his father , `` To wait and see , '' for the fun of the whole thing was to surprise Father Bhaer at the end , and not let him know a bit about what was to happen . He obediently shut eyes , ears , and mouth , and went about trying not to see what was in plain sight , not to hear the tell-tale sounds that filled the air , not to understand any of the perfectly transparent mysteries going on all about him . Being a German , he loved these simple domestic festivals , and encouraged them with all his heart , for they made home so pleasant that the boys did not care to go elsewhere for fun . When at last the day came , the boys went off for a long walk , that they might have good appetites for dinner ; as if they ever needed them ! The girls remained at home to help set the table , and give last touches to various affairs which filled their busy little souls with anxiety . The school-room had been shut up since the night before , and Mr. Bhaer was forbidden to enter it on pain of a beating from Teddy , who guarded the door like a small dragon , though he was dying to tell about it , and nothing but his father 's heroic self-denial in not listening , kept him from betraying a grand secret . `` It 's all done , and it 's perfectly splendid , '' cried Nan , coming out at last with an air of triumph . `` The you know goes beautifully , and Silas knows just what to do now , '' added Daisy , skipping with delight at some unspeakable success . `` I 'm blest if it ai n't the ` cutest thing I ever see , them critters in particular , '' said Silas , who had been let into the secret , went off laughing like a great boy . `` They are coming ; I hear Emil roaring ` Land lubbers lying down below , ' so we must run and dress , '' cried Nan , and up-stairs they scampered in a great hurry . The boys came trooping home with appetites that would have made the big turkey tremble , if it had not been past all fear . They also retired to dress ; and for half-an-hour there was a washing , brushing , and prinking that would have done any tidy woman 's heart good to see . When the bell rang , a troop of fresh-faced lads with shiny hair , clean collars , and Sunday jackets on , filed into the dining-room , where Mrs. Jo , in her one black silk , with a knot of her favorite white chrysanthemums in her bosom , sat at the head of the table , `` looking splendid , '' as the boys said , whenever she got herself up . Daisy and Nan were as gay as a posy bed in their new winter dresses , with bright sashes and hair ribbons . Teddy was gorgeous to behold in a crimson merino blouse , and his best button boots , which absorbed and distracted him as much as Mr. Toot 's wristbands did on one occasion .
As Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer glanced at each other down the long table , with those rows of happy faces on either side , they had a little thanksgiving all to themselves , and without a word , for one heart said to the other , `` Our work has prospered , XXXXX us be grateful and go on . ''
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