While the children enjoyed this final frolic , the elders sat in the parlor looking on as they talked together of the little people with the interest of parents and friends . `` What are you thinking of , all by yourself , with such a happy face , sister Jo ? '' asked Laurie , sitting down beside her on the sofa . `` My summer 's work , Teddy , and amusing myself by imagining the future of my boys , '' she answered , smiling as she made room for him . `` They are all to be poets , painters , and statesmen , famous soldiers , or at least merchant princes , I suppose . '' `` No , I am not as aspiring as I once was , and I shall be satisfied if they are honest men . But I will confess that I do expect a little glory and a career for some of them . Demi is not a common child , and I think he will blossom into something good and great in the best sense of the word . The others will do well , I hope , especially my last two boys , for , after hearing Nat play to-night , I really think he has genius . '' `` Too soon to say ; talent he certainly has , and there is no doubt that the boy can soon earn his bread by the work he loves . Build him up for another year or so , and then I will take him off your hands , and launch him properly . '' `` That is such a pleasant prospect for poor Nat , who came to me six months ago so friendless and forlorn . Dan 's future is already plain to me . Mr. Hyde will want him soon , and I mean to give him a brave and faithful little servant . Dan is one who can serve well if the wages are love and confidence , and he has the energy to carve out his own future in his own way . Yes , I am very happy over our success with these boys one so weak , and one so wild ; both so much better now , and so full of promise . '' `` What magic did you use , Jo ? '' `` I only loved them , and let them see it . Fritz did the rest . '' `` Dear soul !
you look as if ` only loving ' had been rather hard XXXXX sometimes , '' said Laurie , stroking her thin cheek with a look of more tender admiration than he had ever given her as a girl .
Mr. Teddy face hands love parlor people room way work