said Nat , innocently . `` She began early , you see . Poor thing ! she was only fifteen when she took me , and I led her such a life , it 's a wonder she is n't wrinkled and gray , and quite worn out , '' and Mr. Laurie looked up at her laughing . `` Do n't Teddy ; I wo n't have you abuse yourself so ; '' and Mrs. Jo stroked the curly black head at her knee as affectionately as ever , for , in spite of every thing Teddy was her boy still . `` If it had n't been for you , there never would have been a Plumfield . It was my success with you , sir , that gave me courage to try my pet plan . So the boys may thank you for it , and name the new institution ` The Laurence Museum , ' in honor of its founder , wo n't we , boys ? '' she added , looking very like the lively Jo of old times . `` We will ! we will ! '' shouted the boys , throwing up their hats , for though they had taken them off on entering the house , according to rule , they had been in too much of a hurry to hang them up . `` I 'm as hungry as a bear , ca n't I have a cookie ? '' asked Mr. Laurie , when the shout subsided and he had expressed his thanks by a splendid bow . `` Trot out and ask Asia for the gingerbread-box , Demi . It is n't in order to eat between meals , but , on this joyful occasion , we wo n't mind , and have a cookie all round , '' said Mrs. Jo ; and when the box came she dealt them out with a liberal hand , every one munching away in a social circle . Suddenly , in the midst of a bite , Mr. Laurie cried out , `` Bless my heart , I forgot grandma 's bundle ! '' and running out to the carriage , returned with an interesting white parcel , which , being opened , disclosed a choice collection of beasts , birds , and pretty things cut out of crisp sugary cake , and baked a lovely brown . `` There 's one for each , and a letter to tell which is whose . Grandma and Hannah made them , and I tremble to think what would have happened to me if I had forgotten to leave them . ''
Then , amid much XXXXX and fun , the cakes were distributed .
Mr. Mrs. boys courage grandma heart laughing letter success thanks