The boys thought it `` great fun , '' and Nan entertained them all supper-time with an account of her adventures ; for a big dog had barked at her , a man had laughed at her , a woman had given her a doughnut , and her hat had fallen into the brook when she stopped to drink , exhausted with her exertion . `` I fancy you will have your hands full now , my dear ; Tommy and Nan are quite enough for one woman , '' said Mr. Bhaer , half an hour later . `` I know it will take some time to tame the child , but she is such a generous , warm-hearted little thing , I should love her even if she were twice as naughty , '' answered Mrs. Jo , pointing to the merry group , in the middle of which stood Nan , giving away her things right and left , as lavishly as if the big band-box had no bottom . It was those good traits that soon made little `` Giddygaddy , '' as they called her , a favorite with every one . Daisy never complained of being dull again , for Nan invented the most delightful plays , and her pranks rivalled Tommy 's , to the amusement of the whole school . She buried her big doll and forgot it for a week , and found it well mildewed when she dragged it up . Daisy was in despair , but Nan took it to the painter who as at work about the house , got him to paint it brick red , with staring black eyes , then she dressed it up with feathers , and scarlet flannel , and one of Ned 's leaden hatchets ; and in the character of an Indian chief , the late Poppydilla tomahawked all the other dolls , and caused the nursery to run red with imaginary gore . She gave away her new shoes to a beggar child , hoping to be allowed to go barefoot , but found it impossible to combine charity and comfort , and was ordered to ask leave before disposing of her clothes . She delighted the boys by making a fire-ship out of a shingle with two large sails wet with turpentine , which she lighted , and then sent the little vessel floating down the brook at dusk . She harnessed the old turkey-cock to a straw wagon , and made him trot round the house at a tremendous pace . She gave her coral necklace for four unhappy kittens , which had been tormented by some heartless lads , and tended them for days as gently as a mother , dressing their wounds with cold cream , feeding them with a doll 's spoon , and mourning over them when they died , till she was consoled by one of Demi 's best turtles . She made Silas tattoo an anchor on her arm like his , and begged hard to have a blue star on each cheek , but he dared not do it , though she coaxed and scolded till the soft-hearted fellow longed to give in . She rode every animal on the place , from the big horse Andy to the cross pig , from whom she was rescued with difficulty . Whatever the boys dared her to do she instantly attempted , no matter how dangerous it might be , and they were never tired of testing her courage . Mr. Bhaer suggested that they should see who would study best , and Nan found as much pleasure in using her quick wits and fine memory as her active feet and merry tongue , while the lads had to do their best to keep their places , for Nan showed them that girls could do most things as well as boys , and some things better . There were no rewards in school , but Mr. Bhaer 's `` Well done ! '' and Mrs. Bhaer 's good report on the conscience book , taught them to love duty for its own sake , and try to do it faithfully , sure sooner or later the recompense would come . Little Nan was quick to feel the new atmosphere , to enjoy it , to show that it was what she needed ; for this little garden was full of sweet flowers , half hidden by the weeds ; and when kind hands gently began to cultivate it , all sorts of green shoots sprung up , promising to blossom beautifully in the warmth of love and care , the best climate for young hearts and souls all the world over . CHAPTER VIII . PRANKS AND PLAYS As there is no particular plan to this story , except to describe a few scenes in the life at Plumfield for the amusement of certain little persons , we will gently ramble along in this chapter and tell some of the pastimes of Mrs. Jo 's boys .
I beg leave to assure my honored readers that most of the incidents are taken from real life , and that the oddest are the truest ; for no person , no XXXXX how vivid an imagination he may have , can invent anything half so droll as the freaks and fancies that originate in the lively brains of little people .
chapter courage despair half hands matter painter scenes story wits