Join Host Bree Carlile as she reads the fifth chapter of Jo's Boys.

Come with us as we release one bite a day of one of your favorite classic novels, plays & short stories. Bree reads these classics like she reads to her daughter, one chapter a day. If you love books or audiobooks and want something to listen to as you're getting ready, driving to work, or as you're getting ready for bed, check out Bite at a Time Books!

Follow, rate, and review Bite at a Time Books where we read you your favorite classics, one bite at a time. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Check out our website, or join our Facebook Group!

Get exclusive Behind the Scenes content on our YouTube!

We are now part of the Bite at a Time Books Productions network!

If you ever wondered what inspired your favorite classic novelist to write their stories, what was happening in their lives or the world at the time, check out Bite at a Time Books Behind the Story wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow us on all the socials: Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - TikTok

Follow Bree at: Instagram - Twitter - Facebook

San the book and let's see what we can find.

Take it chapter by chapter, one bite at a time so many adventures and mountains we can climb.

Take it word for word, like by line.

One bite at a time.

My name is Brie Carlyle, and I love to read and wanted to share my passion with listeners like you.

If you want to know what's coming next and vote on upcoming books, sign up for our newsletter@byetatimebooks.com.

You'll also find our new T shirts in the shop, including podcast shirts and quote shirts from your favorite classic novels.

Be sure to follow my show on your favorite podcast platform so you get all the new episodes.

You can find most of our links in the show notes, but also our website, Bytetimebooks.com includes all of the links for our show, including to our patreon to support the show, and YouTube, where we have special behind the narration of the episodes.

We're part of the bite at a Time books Productions network.

If you'd also like to hear what inspired your favorite classic authors to write their novels and what was going on in the world at the time, check out the Bite at a Time Books Behind the Story podcast.

Wherever you listen to podcasts, please note while we try to keep the text as close to the original as possible, some words have been changed to honor the marginalized communities who've identified the words as harmful and to stay in alignment with Bite at a Time book's brand values.

Today we'll be continuing Joe's Boys by Louisa May Alcott chapter Five Vacation Everyone was glad of a holiday next morning, and all lingered over the breakfast table till Mrs.

Jo suddenly exclaimed, Why, there's a dog.

And on the threshold of the door appeared a great deerhound, standing motionless with his eyes fixed on Dan.

Hello, old boy.

Couldn't you wait till I came for you?

Have you cut away on the sly?

Own up now and take your whipping like a man, said Dan, rising to meet the dog, who reared on its hind legs to look his master in the face and bark as if uttering an indignant denial of any disobedience.

All right, don never lies.

And Dan gave the tall beast a.

Hug, adding as he glanced out of.

The window where a man and horse were seen approaching, I left my plunder at the hotel overnight, not knowing how I should find you.

Come out and see Oct Two, my mustang.

She's a beauty.

And Dan was off, with the family, streaming after him to welcome the newcomer.

They found her preparing to go up.

The steps in her eagerness to reach her master, to the great dismay of the man who was holding her back.

Let her come, called Dan.

She climbs like a cat and jumps like a deer.

Well, my girl, do you want to gallop?

He asked, as the pretty creature clattered up to him.

And Winnie'd, with pleasure as he rubbed her nose and slapped her glossy flank.

That's what I call a horse worth having, said Ted, full of admiration and delight, for he was to have the care of her during Dan's absence.

What intelligent eyes she looks as if she would speak, said Mrs Jo.

She talks like a human in her way.

Very little that she don't know.

Hey, old lass.

And Dan laid his cheek to hers as if the little black mare was very dear to him.

What does octou mean?

Asked Rob Lightning.

She deserves it, as you'll see.

Blackhawk gave her to me for my rifle, and we've had high times together out yonder.

She's saved my life more than once.

Do you see that scar?

Dan pointed to a small one, half hidden by the long mane and standing with his arm about Octu's neck.

He told the story of it.

Blackhawk and I were after buffalo one time, but didn't find him as soon as we expected.

So our food gave out, and there we were, a hundred miles from Red Deer River, where our camp was.

I thought we were done for, but my brave pal says now I'll show you how we can live till we find the herds.

We were unsaddling for the night by a little pond.

There wasn't a living creature in sight anywhere, not even a bird, and we could see for miles over the prairies.

What do you think we did?

And Dan looked into the faces round him.

Ate worms like the Australian fellows said Rob.

Boiled grass or leaves, added Mrs joe.

Perhaps filled the stomach with clay as we read of savage's doing, suggested Mr Bear.

Killed one of the horses?

Cried Ted, eager for bloodshed of some sort?

No, but we bled one of them.

Siege's tear filled a tin cup, put some wild sage leaves in it with water and heated it over a fire of sticks.

It was good, and we slept well, I guess.

Octo didn't, and Josie patted the animal.

With a face full of sympathy.

Never minded it a bit.

Blackhawk said we could live on the horses several days and still travel before they felt it.

But by another morning we found the buffalo, and I shot the one whose head is in my box, ready to hang up and scare brats into fits.

He is a fierce old fellow.

You bet.

What is this strap for?

Asked Ted, who was busily examining the Indian saddle.

The single rain and snaffle with lariat and round the neck the leather band he spoke of.

We hold on to that when we lie along the horse's flank, farthest from the enemy and fire under the neck as we gallop round and round.

I'll show you and springing into the saddle.

Dan was off down the steps, tearing over the lawn at a great pace, sometimes on Octu's back, sometimes half hidden as he hung by stirrup and strap, and sometimes off altogether.

Running beside her as she loped along, enjoying the fun immensely, while dawn raced after in a canine rapture at being free again and with his mates.

It was a fine sight, the three wild things at play, so full of.

Vigor, grace and freedom, that for the.

Moment the smooth wand seemed a prairie.

And the spectators felt as if this.

Glimpse of another life made their own seem rather tame and colorless.

This is better than a circus.

Cried Mrs.

Jo, wishing she were a girl again that she might take a gallop on this chained lightning of a horse.

I foresee that NAN will have her hands full setting bones, for Ted will break every one of his trying to rival Dan.

A few falls will not harm.

And this new care and pleasure will be good for him in all ways.

But I fear Dan will never follow a plough after riding a Pegasus like that, answered Mr.

Bear as the black mare leapt the gate and came flying up the avenue to stop at a word and stand quivering with excitement while Dan swung himself off and looked up for applause.

He received plenty of it and seemed more pleased for his pet's sake than for his own.

Ted clamored for a lesson at once and was soon at ease in the queer saddle, finding OCTU gentle as a lamb as he trotted away to show off at college.

Bess came hastening down the hill, having seen the race from afar and all collected on the piazza while Dan yanked the COVID off the big box the express had dumped before the door.

To borrow his own words.

Dan usually traveled in light marching order and hated to have more luggage than he could carry in his well worn valise.

But now that he had a little money of his own, he had cumbered himself with a collection of trophies won by his bow and spear and brought them home to bestow upon his friends.

We shall be devoured with moths, thought Mrs.

Jo as the shaggy head appeared, followed by a wolf skin, rug for her feet, a bears skinned ditto for the professor's study, and Indian garments bedecked with fox, its tales for the boys, all nice and warm for a July day, but received with delight nevertheless.

Ted and Josie immediately dressed up, learned the war whoop and proceeded to astonish their friends by a series of skirmishes about the house and grounds with tomahawks and bows and arrows, till weariness produced a lull gay bird's wings, Plumey, pompous grass, strings of wampum and pretty work, and beads, bark and feathers pleased the girls.

Minerals, arrowheads and crude sketches interested the professor, and when the box was empty, dan gave Mr.

Lori as his gift several plaintive Indian songs written on birch bark.

We only want a tent over us to be quite perfect.

I feel as if I ought to.

Give you parched corn and dried meat for dinner.

My braves nobody will want lamb and green peas after this splendid powwow, said Mrs.

Jo, surveying the picturesque confusion of the long haul.

Or people lay about on the rugs, all more or less bedecked with feathers, moccasins or beads.

Moose noses, buffalo tongues, bear steaks and roasted marrow bones would be the thing, but I don't mind a change, so bring on your BA BA and green meat, answered Dan from the box, where.

He sat in state like a chief.

Among his tribe, with the great hound at his feet.

The girls began to clear up, but made little headway, for everything they touched had a story, and all were thrilling, comical or wild, so they found it.

Hard to settle to their work till.

Dan was carried off by Mr.

Lori.

This was the beginning of the summer holiday, and it was curious to see what a pleasant little stir dan's and Emil's coming made in the quiet life of the studious community, for they seemed to bring a fresh breeze with them that enlivened everyone.

Many of the collegians remained during vacation, and Plumfield and Parnassus did their best to make these days pleasant for them, since most came from distant states, were poor, and had few opportunities but this for culture or amusement.

Emile was halefellow, well met with men and maids, and went rollicking about in true sailor fashion, but Dan stood rather in awe of the fangirl graduates, and was silent when among them, eyeing them as an eagle might a flock of doves.

He got on better with the young men, and was their hero at once.

Their admiration for his manly accomplishments did him good, because he felt his educational defects keenly, and often wondered if he could find anything in books to satisfy him as thoroughly as did the lessons he was learning from nature's.

Splendidly illustrated volume.

In spite of his silence, the girls found out his good qualities and regarded the Spaniard, as they named him, with great favor, for his black eyes were more eloquent than his tongue, and the kind creatures tried to show their friendly interests in many charming ways.

He saw this and endeavored to be worthy of it, curbing his free speech, toning down his rough manners, and watching the effect of all he said and did, anxious to make a good impression.

The social atmosphere warmed his lonely heart, the culture excited him to do his best, and the changes which had taken place during his absence, both in himself and others, made the old home seem like a new world.

After the life in California.

It was sweet and restful to be here with these familiar faces round him, helping him to forget much that he regretted, and resolved to deserve more entirely the confidence of these goodfellows, the respect of these innocent girls.

So there was riding, rowing and picnicking by day, music, dancing and plays by night, and everyone said there had not been so gay a vacation for years.

Bess kept her promise and let the dust gather on her beloved clay, while she went pleasuring with her mates, or studied music with her father, who rejoiced over the fresh roses in her cheeks, and the laughter which chased away the dreamy look she used to wear.

Josie quarrelled less with Ted, for Dan had a way of looking at her which quelled her instantly, and had almost as good an effect upon her rebellious cousin.

But Och, too, did even more for the lively youth, who found that her charms entirely eclipsed those of the bicycle which had been his heart's delight before.

Early and late he rode this untiring beast and began to gain flesh to the great joy of his mother, who feared that her beanstalk was growing too fast for health.

Demi, finding business, dole solaced his leisure by photographing everybody he could induce to sit or stand to him, producing some excellent pictures, among many failures, for he had a pretty taste in grouping and endless patience.

He might be said to view the world through the lens of his camera, and seemed to enjoy himself very much, squinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black Cambrick.

Dan was a treasure to him, for he took well and willingly posed in his Mexican costume with Horse and hound, and all wanted copies of these effective photographs.

Bess also was a favorite sitter, and Demi received a prize at the amateur photographic exhibition for one of his cousin, with all her hair about her face, which rose from the cloud of white lace draping the shoulders.

These were freely handed round by the proud artist, and one copy had a tender little history yet to be told.

Nat was snatching every minute he could get with Daisy before the long parting, and Mrs.

Meg relented somewhat, feeling sure that absence would quite cure this unfortunate fancy.

Daisy said little, but her gentle face was sad when she was alone, and a few quiet tears dropped on the handkerchief she marked so daintily with her own hair.

She was sure Nat would not forget her, and life looked rather forlorn without the dear fellow who had been her friend since the days of Patty Pans and confidences in the Willow Tree.

She was an old fashioned daughter, dutiful and docile, with such love and reverence for her mother that her will was law, and if love was forbidden, friendship must suffice.

So she kept her little sorrow to herself, smiled cheerfully at Nat, and made his last days of home life very happy, with every comfort and pleasure she could give, from sensible advice and sweet words to a well filled work bag for his bachelor establishment and a box of goodies for the voyage.

Tom and NAN took all the time they could spare from their studies to enjoy hijinks at Plumfield with their old friends.

Vermille's next voyage was to be a long one.

Nat's absence was uncertain, and no one ever knew when Dan would turn up again.

They all seemed to feel that life was beginning to grow serious.

And even while they enjoyed those lovely summer days together, they were conscious that they were children.

No longer, and often in the pauses of their fun, talked soberly of their plans and hopes, as if anxious to know and help one another before they drifted further apart on their different ways.

A few weeks were all they had.

Then the brenda was ready.

Nat was to sail from New York and Dan went along to see him off for his own plans fermented in his head and he was eager to be up and doing a farewell dance.

Was given on parnassus in honor of the travelers and all turned out in their best array and gayest spirits.

George and Dolly came with the latest Harvard heirs and graces radiant to behold in dress suits and crushed hats, as Josie called the especial pride and joy of their boyish souls.

Jack and Ned sent regrets and best wishes, and no one mourned their absence, for they were among what Mrs.

Jo called her failures.

Poor Tom got into trouble as usual by deluging his head with some highly scented preparation in the vain hope of making its tight curls lie flat and smooth, as was the style unhappily his rebellious crop.

Only kinked the closer, and the odor of many barber shops clung to him.

In spite of his frantic efforts to banish it, NAN wouldn't allow him near her and flapped her fan vigorously whenever he was in sight, which cut him to the heart and made him feel like the Perry shut out from paradise.

Of course, his mates jeered at him, and nothing but the unquenchable jolly of his nature kept him from despair.

Emile was resplendent in his new uniform and danced with an abandon which only sailors know.

His pumps seemed to be everywhere, and his partner soon lost breath trying to keep up with him.

But the girls all declared he steered like an angel, and in spite of his pace, no collisions took place.

So he was happy and found no lack of damsels to ship with him.

Having no dress suit, Dan had been coaxed to wear his Mexican costume and feeling at ease in the mini buttoned trousers, loose jacket and gay sash, flung.

His seraph over his shoulder with a.

Flourish and looked his best, doing great execution with his long spurs.

As he taught Josie strange steps, rolled his black eyes admiringly after certain blonde damsels whom he dared not address.

The Mamas sat in the alcove supplying pins, smiles and kindly words to all, especially the awkward youths new to such scenes, and the bashful girl conscious of faded muslins and cleaned gloves.

It was pleasant to see Stately Miss Amy promenade on the arm of a tall country boy with thick boots and a big forehead.

Or Mrs.

Jo dance like a girl with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump handles and whose face was scarlet with confusion and pride at the honor of treading on the toes of the President's wife.

Mrs.

Meg always had room on her sofa for two or three girls, and Mr.

Lori devoted himself to these plain, poorly dressed damsels with a kindly grace that won their hearts and made them happy.

The good professor circulated like refreshments, and his cheerful face shone on all alike, while Mr.

March discussed Greek comedy in the study with such serious gentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to frivolous joys.

The long music room, parlor hall and piazza were full of white gowned maidens with attendant shadows.

The air was full of lively voices, and hearts and feet went lightly together as the home band played vigorously, and the friendly moon did her best to add enchantment to the scene.

Pin me up, Meg.

That dear Dunbar boy's nearly rent me in thunder, as Mr.

Pagati would say.

But didn't he enjoy himself, bumping against his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop?

On these occasions I find that I'm not as young as I was, nor as light afoot.

In ten years more, we shall be meal bags, sister, so be resigned.

And Mrs.

Joe subsided into a corner, much disheveled by her benevolent exertions.

I know I shall be stout, but you won't keep still long enough to get much flesh on your bones, dear.

And Amy will always keep her lovely figure.

She looks about 18 tonight in her white gown and roses, answered Meg, busily pinning up one sister's torn frills while her eyes fondly followed the other's graceful movements, for Meg still adored Amy in the old fashioned.

It was one of the family jokes that Joe was getting fat, and she kept it up, though as yet she had only acquired a matronly outline which was very becoming.

They were laughing over the impending double chins when Mr.

Lori came off duty for a moment, repairing damages as usual.

Joe, you never could take a little gentle exercise without returning in rags.

Come and have a quiet stroll with me and cool off before supper.

I have a series of pretty tableau.

To show you while Meg listens to the raptures of lisping Miss Carr, whom I made happy by giving her demi for a partner.

As he spoke, Lori led Joe to the music room, nearly empty now, after a dance which sent the young people into garden and hall.

Pausing before the first of the four long windows that opened on a very wide piazza, he pointed to a group outside saying, the name of this is Jack.

Ashore, a pair of long blue legs, ending in very neat pumps hung from the veranda roof among the vines and roses gathered by unseen hands, evidently appertaining to the foresaid.

Legs were being dropped into the laps of several girls perched like a flock of white birds on the railing below.

While a manly voice fell like a falling star as it sung.

This pensive diddy to a most appreciative audience.

Mary's dream the moon had climbed the eastern hill which rises or the sands of Dee and from its highest summit shed a silver light on tower and tree.

When Mary laid her down to sleep her thoughts on Sandy far at sea when soft and low a voice was heard saying mary, weep no more for me.

She from her pillow gently raised her head to see who there might be and saw young Sandy shivering stand with visage pale and hollow e o Mary dear, cold as my clay it lies beneath the stormy sea far far from thee I sleep in death.

Dear Mary, weep no more for me.

Three stormy nights and stormy days we tossed upon the raging mane and long we strove our bark to save.

But all our striving was in.

Vain in then when terror chilled my blood my heart was filled with love of thee the storm is past and I'm at rest so Mary, weep no more for me o maiden, dear yourself prepare, we soon shall meet upon that shore where love is free from doubt and care and you and I shall part no more outcrew the c*** the shadow fled no more her sandy did she see but soft the passing spirit said sweet Mary, weep no more for me.

The constant jollity of that boy is worth a fortune to him.

He'll never sink with such a buoyant spirit to keep him afloat through life, said Mrs.

Jo as the roses were tossed back with much applause when the song ended.

Not he.

And it's a blessing to be grateful for, isn't it?

We moody people know it's worth.

Glad you like my first tableau.

Come and see number two.

Hope it isn't spoilt.

It was very pretty just now.

This is Othello telling his adventures to Desdemona.

The second window framed a very picturesque group of three.

Mr.

March, in an armchair with Bess on a cushion at his feet, was listening to Dan, who, leaning against a pillar, was talking with unusual animation.

The old man was in shadow, but little Desdemona was looking up with the moonlight full upon into her young Othello's face, quite absorbed in the story he was telling so well.

A gay drapery over Dan's shoulder.

His dark coloring and the gesture of his arm made the picture very striking, and both spectators enjoyed it with silent pleasure.

Till Mrs.

Jo said in a quick whisper I'm glad he's going away.

He's too picturesque to have here among so many romantic girls.

Afraid his grand gloomy and peculiar style will be too much for our simple maids.

No danger.

Dan is in the rough as yet.

And always will be, I fancy, though he is improving in many ways.

How well Queenie looks in that soft light.

Dear little Goldilocks looks well everywhere, and with a backward glance full of pride and fondness, Mrs.

Jo went on, but that scene returns to her long afterward, and her own prophetic words also.

Number three was a tragic tableau at first sight, and Mr.

Laurie stifled a laugh as he whispered the wounded knight pointing to Tom with his head enveloped in a large handkerchief as he knelt before NAN.

I was extracting a thorn or splinter from the palm of his hand, with great skill to judge from the patient's blissful expression of countenance.

Do I hurt you?

She asked, turning the hand to the moonlight for a better view.

Not a bit.

Dig away.

I like it, answered Tom, regardless of his aching knees and the damage done to his best trousers.

I won't keep you long.

Hours, if you please.

Never so happy as here.

Quite unmoved by this tender remark, NAN put on a pair of large, round eyed glasses, saying in a matter of fact tone, now I see it only a splinter.

And there it is.

My hand is bleeding.

Won't you bind it up?

Asked Tom, wishing to prolong the situation.

Nonsense.

Suck it.

Only take care of it tomorrow if you dissect.

Don't want any more blood poisoning.

That was the only time you were kind to me.

Wish I'd lost my arm.

I wish you'd lost your head.

It smells more like turpentine and kerosene than ever.

Do take a run in the garden and air it.

Caring to betray themselves by laughter, the watchers went on, leaving the knights to rush away in despair, and the lady to bury her nose in the cup of a tall lily for refreshment.

Poor Tom.

His fate is a hard one and he's wasting his time.

Do advise him to quit flandering and go to work, Joe.

I have Teddy often, but it will take some great shock to make that boy wise.

I wait with interest to see what it will be.

Bless me.

What is all this she might well ask for?

On a rustic stool stood Ted, trying to pose on 1ft with the other extended and both hands waving in the air.

Josie, with several young mates, was watching his contortions with deep interest as they talked about little wings, gilded wire twisted, and a cunning skull cap.

This might be called mercury trying to fly, said Mr.

Lori as they peeped through the lace curtains.

Bless the long legs of that boy.

How does he expect to manage them?

They are playing for the owlsdark marbles and a nice muddle they were.

Make of my gods and goddesses, with no one to show them how, answered Mrs.

Jo, enjoying this scene immensely.

Now he's got it.

That's perfectly splendid.

See how long you can keep.

So cried the girls as Ted managed to maintain his equilibrium a moment by resting one toe on the trellis.

Unfortunately, this brought all his weight.

On the other foot.

The straw seed of the stool gave way and the flying mercury came down with a crash mid shrieks of laughter from the girls.

Being accustomed to ground and lofty tumbling, he quickly recovered himself and hopped gaily about with one leg through the stool as he improvised a classic jig.

Thanks for four nice little pictures.

You've given me an idea and I think sometime we will get up regular tableau of this sort and march our company round a set of dissolving views, new and striking.

I'll propose it to our manager and give you all the glory, said Mrs.

Zhou as they strolled towards the room, whence came the clash of glass in China and glimpses of agitated black coats.

Let us follow the example of our old friends and stroll about among the young people eavesdropping so, gathering up various little threads to help in the weaving of the story.

George and Dolly were at supper and having served the ladies in their care, stood in a corner, absorbing nourishment of all kinds with a vain attempt to conceal hearty appetites under an air of elegant indifference.

Good spread, this Lawrence.

Does things in style for a straight coffee but no wine.

And that's a mistake, said Stuffy, who still deserved his name and was a stout youth with a heavy eye and bilious complexion.

Bad for boys, he says.

Jove wish he could see it.

That some of our wines don't.

We just splice the main brace, as Emile says, answered Dolly, the dandy carefully spreading a napkin over the glossy expanse of shirt front, where on a diamond stud shone like a lone star.

His stutter was nearly outgrown, but he, as well as George, spoke in the tone of condescension, which with the blase heirs they assumed, made a very funny contrast to their youthful faces and foolish remarks.

Good hearted little fellows both, but top heavy with the pride of being softs and the freedom that college life gave them.

Little Joe is getting to be a deuced pretty girl, isn't she?

Said George with a long sigh of satisfaction as his first mouthful of ice went slowly down his.

Hmm.

Well, Ferrish the Princess is rather more to my taste.

I like him blonde and queenly and elegant, don't you know?

Yes, Joe is too lively.

Might as well dance with a grasshopper.

I've tried her and she's won too many for me.

Miss Perry is a nice, easy going girl.

Got her for the German.

You'll never be a dancing man.

Too lazy now.

I'll undertake to steer any girl and dance down any fellow you please.

Dancing's my forte.

And Ollie glanced from his trimmed feet to his flashing gym with the defiant air of a young turkey c*** on parade.

Miss Gray is looking for you.

Wants more grub.

Just see if Miss Nelson's plate is empty.

There's a good fellow can't eat ice in a hurry.

And George remained in his safe corner while Dolly struggled through the crowd to his duty, coming back in a fume with a splash of.

Salad dressing on his coat cuff.

Confound these country chaps.

They go blundering round like so many doorbugs and make a deuce of a mess.

Better stick to books and not try to be society men.

Can't do it.

Beastly stain.

Give it a rub and let me bolt a mouthful.

I'm starved.

Never saw girls eat such a lot.

It proves that they ought not to study so much.

Never liked co ed, growled Dolly.

Much ruffled in spirit, they do.

Tisnt ladylike ought to be satisfied with an ice and a bit of cake and eat it prettily.

Don't like to see a girl feed.

We hard working men need it.

And by Jove, I mean to get some more of that meringue if it's not all gone.

Here, waiter, bring along that dish over there and be lively.

Commanded stuffy poking a young man in a rather shabby dress suit who was passing with a tray of glasses.

His order was obeyed promptly, but George's appetite was taken away the next moment by Dolly's exclaiming as he looked up from his damaged coat with a scandalized face.

You've put your foot in it now, old boy.

That's morton mr.

Bear's crack man knows everything.

No end of a dig and bound to carry off all the honors.

You won't hear the last of it in a hurry.

And Dolly laughed so heartily that a spoonful of ice flew upon the head of a lady sitting below him and got him into a scrape also leaving them to their despair.

Let us listen to the whispered chat of two girls comfortably seated in a recess, waiting till their escorts were fed.

I do think the Lawrences give lovely parties, don't you enjoy them?

Asked the younger, looking about her with the eager air of one unused to this sort of pleasure very much.

Only I never feel as if I was dressed right.

My things seemed elegant at home and I thought I'd be over overdressed, if anything.

But I look countryfied and doubhty here.

No time or money to change now, even if I knew how to do it, answered the other, glancing anxiously at her bright pink silk gown.

Trimmed it with cheap lace.

You must get Mrs.

Brooke to tell you how to fix your things.

She was very kind to me.

I had a green silk and it looked so cheap and horrid by the side of the nice dresses here.

I felt regularly unhappy about it and asked her how much a dress like the one Mrs.

Lawrence had would cost that looked so simple and elegant.

I thought it wouldn't be costly.

But it was India mole and Valencianous lace, so of course I couldn't have it.

Then Mrs.

Brooks said, get some muslin to cover the green silk and wear hops or some white flowers instead of pink in your hair and you will have a pretty suit.

Isn't it lovely and becoming?

And Miss Burton surveyed herself with girlish satisfaction.

For a little taste had softened the harsh green, and hot bells became her red hair better than roses.

It's sweet.

I've been admiring it.

I'll do mine so and ask about my purple one.

Mrs.

Brooke has helped me to get rid of my headaches and Mary Clay's dyspepsia is all gone since she gave up coffee and hot bread.

Mrs.

Lawrence advised me to walk and run and use the gymnasium to cure my round shoulders and open my chest.

And I'm a much better figure than I was.

Did you know that Mr.

Lawrence pays all Amelia Merrill's bills?

Her father failed and she was heartbroken at having to leave college.

But that splendid man just stepped in and made it all right.

Yes, and Professor Bear has several of the boys down at his house evenings to help them along so they can keep up with the rest.

And Mrs.

Bear took care of Charles Mackie herself when he had a fever last year.

I do think they are the best and kindest people in the world.

So do I.

And my time here will be the happiest and most useful years of my life.

And both girls forgot their gowns and their suppers for a moment to look with grateful, affectionate eyes at the friends who tried to care for bodies and for souls as well as minds now come to a lively party.

Suppping on the stairs, girls like foam at the top and a substratum of youths below, where the heaviest particles always settle.

Emil, who never sat if he could climb or perch, adorned the knoll post.

Tom, Nat, Demi and Dan were camped on the steps eating busily as their ladies were well served and they had earned a moment's rest which they enjoyed with their eyes fixed on the pleasing prospect above them.

I'm so sorry the boys are going.

It will be dreadfully dull without them now they have stopped teasing and are polite.

I really enjoy them, said NAN, who felt unusually gracious tonight as Tom's mishap kept him from annoying her.

So do I, and Bess was mourning about it today.

That was a general thing.

She doesn't like boys unless they are models of elegance.

She has been doing Dan's head and it is not quite finished.

I never saw her so interested in any work.

And it's very well done.

He is so striking and big.

He always makes me think of the dying gladiator or some of those antique creatures.

There's Bess.

Now, dear child.

How sweet she looks tonight, answered Daisy, waving her hand as the princess went by with Grandpa on her arm.

I never thought he would turn out so well.

Don't you remember how we used to call him the bad Boy?

And be sure he would become a pirate or something awful because he glared at us and swore sometimes?

Now he is the handsomest of all the boys and very entertaining with his stories and plans.

I like him very much.

He's so big and strong and independent.

I'm tired of Molly coddles and bookworms, said NAN in her decided way.

Not handsomer than that, cried loyal Daisy, contrasting two faces below, one unusually gay, the other sentimentally, sober even in the act of munching cake.

I like Dan and am glad he's doing well, but he tires me and I'm still a little afraid of him.

Quiet people suit me best.

Life is a fight and I like a good soldier.

Boys take things too easily.

Don't see how serious it all is and go to work in earnest.

Look at that absurd Tom, wasting his time and making an object of himself just because he can't have what he wants, like a baby crying for the moon.

I've no patience with such nonsense, scolded NAN, looking down at the jovial Thomas, who was playfully putting Macaroons in Emile's shoes and trying to beguile his exile as best he could.

Most girls would be touched by such fidelity.

I think it's beautiful, said Daisy behind her fan, for other girls sat just below.

You are a sentimental goose and not a judge.

Nat will be twice the man when he comes back after his trip.

I wish Tom was going with him.

My idea is that if we girls have any influence, we should use it for the good of these boys and not pamper them up making slaves of ourselves and tyrants of them.

Let them prove what they can do and be before they ask anything of us and give us a chance to do the same.

Then we know where we are and shall not make mistakes to mourn over all our lives.

Here, here.

Cried Alice Heath, who was a girl after Nan's own heart and had chosen a career like a brave and sensible young woman.

Only give us a chance and have patience till we can do our best.

Now we are expected to be as wise as men who have had generations of all the help there is, and we scarcely anything.

Let us have equal opportunities and in a few generations we will see what the judgment is.

I like justice, and we get very little of it.

Still shouting the battle cry of freedom, asked Demi, peering through the banisters at this moment.

Up with your flag.

I'll stand by and lend a hand if you want it.

With you and NAN to lead the van.

I think you won't need much help.

You are great comfort, Demi, and I'll call on you in all emergencies, for you are an honest boy.

And don't forget that you owe much to your mother and your sisters and your aunts, continued NAN.

I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.

How can we think them so when such awful mistakes are being made all the time by these great creatures?

See them sick as I do?

Then you know them.

Don't hit us when we're down, be merciful and set us up to bless and believe in you.

Evermore?

Pleaded Demi from behind the bars.

We'll be kind to you if you'll be just to us.

I don't say generous, only just.

I went to a suffrage debate in the legislature last winter and of all the feeble virgal twaddle I ever heard, that was the worst.

And those men were our representatives.

I blushed for them and the wives and mothers.

I want an intelligent man to represent me if I can't do it myself, not a fool.

NAN is on the stump now we shall catch it.

Cried Tom, putting up an umbrella to shield his unhappy head, for Nan's earnest voice was audible and her indignant eye happened to rest on him as she spoke.

Go on, go on.

I'll take notes and put in great applause.

Liberally, added Demi, producing his ball, book and pencil with his Jenkins air.

Daisy pinched his nose through the bars and the meeting was rather tumultuous for a moment for a meal called Avast.

Avast.

Here's a squall to windered Tom applauded wildly.

Dan looked up as if the prospect of a fight, even with words, pleased him, and Nat went to support Demi, as his position seemed to be a good one at this crisis.

When everyone laughed and talked at once, beth came floating through the upper hall and looked down like an angel of peace upon the noisy group below, as she asked with wondering eyes and smiling lips what is it?

An indignation meeting.

NAN and Alice are on the rampage and we are at the bar to be tried for our lives.

Will Your Highness preside and judge between us?

Answered Demi, as a lull at once took place, for no one rioted in the presence of the Princess.

I'm not wise enough.

I'll sit here and listen.

Please go on.

Bess took her place above them all, as cool and calm as a little statue of justice, with fan and nosegay in place of sword and scales.

Now, ladies, free your minds only spare us till morning, for we've got a German to dance as soon as everyone is fed and Parnassus expects every man to do his duty.

Mrs.

President Giddy Gaddy has the floor, said Demi, who liked this sort of fun better than the very mild sort of flirtation which was allowed at Plumfield for the simple reason that it could not be entirely banished and is a part of all education, co or otherwise.

I have only one thing to say, and it is this, began NAN, soberly, though her eyes sparkled with a mixture of fun and earnestness.

I want to ask every boy of you what you really think on this subject.

Dan and Emile have seen the world and ought to know their own minds.

Tom and Nat have had five examples before them for years.

Demi is ours and we are proud of him.

So is Rob.

Ted is a weathercock.

And Dolly and George, of course, are fogeys in spite of the Annax and girls at Gertin going ahead of the men.

Commodore, are you ready for the question?

Aye, skipper.

Do you believe in woman suffrage?

Bless your pretty figure head, I do.

And I'll ship a crew of girls anytime you say so.

Aren't they worse than a press gang to carry a fellow out of his moorings?

Don't we all need one as pilot to steer us safe to port?

And why shouldn't they share our mess afloat and ashore since we are sure to be wrecked without him?

Good for you, Emile.

NAN will take you for first mate after that handsome speech, said Demi as the girls applauded and Tom glowered.

Now, Dan, you love liberty so well yourself.

Are you willing we should have it all you can get.

And I'll fight any man who's mean enough to say you don't deserve it.

This brief and forcible reply delighted the energetic President and she beamed upon the member from California as she said briskly, nat wouldn't dare to say he was on the other side even if he were.

But I hope he has made up his mind to pipe for us at least when we take the field and not be one of those who will wait till the battle is won and then beat the drums and share the glory.

Mrs.

Giddy Gaddy's doubts were most effectually removed and her sharp speech regretted as Nat looked up, blushing, but with a new sort of manliness in face and manner, saying in a tone that touched them all, I should be the most ungrateful fellow alive if I did not love, honor, and serve women with all my heart and might.

For to them I owe everything I am or ever shall be.

Daisy clapped her hands and best threw her bouquet into Nat's lap while the other girls waved to their fans, well pleased for real feeling made his little speech eloquent.

Thomas B.

Bangs.

Come into court and tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth if you can.

Commanded NAN, with a rap to call the meeting to order.

Tom shut the umbrella and standing up, raised his hand, saying solemnly I believe in suffrage of all kinds.

I adore all women and will die for them at any moment if it will help the cause.

Living and working for it is harder and therefore more honorable.

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having cheap sentiment and bad logic.

You will pass, Tom, only don't twaddle now, having taken the sense of the meeting, we will adjourn as the hour for festive gymnastics has arrived.

I'm glad to see that old plum has given six true men to the world and hope they will continue to be staunch to her and the principles she has taught them wherever they may go.

Now, girls, don't sit in draughts.

And boys, beware of ice water when you're warm.

With this characteristic close, NAN retired from office and the girls went to enjoy one of the few rites allowed them.

Thank you for joining Bite at a Time Books today while we read a bite of one of your favorite classics.

Again, my name is Brie Carlyle and I hope you come back tomorrow for the next bite of Joe's Boys.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter@byteimebooks.com and check out the shop.

You can check out the show notes or our website bytitimebooks.com for the rest of the links for our show.

We'd love to hear from you on social media as well.

Dam don't take a look and a book and let's see what we can find.

Taking chapter by chapter, one at a time so many adventures and mountains we can climb take it word for word, line by line, one bite at a time close.