Nevertheless Mrs Jo wrote her name a dozen times , put on her black silk , and resigned herself to the impending call , praying for rain , however , as she returned to her work . The shower came , and feeling quite secure , she rumpled up her hair , took off her cuffs , and hurried to finish her chapter ; for thirty pages a day was her task , and she liked to have it well done before evening . Josie had brought some flowers for the vases , and was just putting the last touches when she saw several umbrellas bobbing down the hill . ` They are coming , Aunty ! I see uncle hurrying across the field to receive them , ' she called at the stair-foot . ` Keep an eye on them , and let me know when they enter the avenue . It will take but a minute to tidy up and run down , ' answered Mrs Jo , scribbling away for dear life , because serials wait for no man , not even the whole Christian Union en masse . ` There are more than two or three . I see half a dozen at least , ' called sister Ann from the hall door . ` No ! a dozen , I do believe ; Aunty , look out ; they are all coming ! What shall we do ? ' And Josie quailed at the idea of facing the black throng rapidly approaching . ` Mercy on us , there are hundreds ! Run and put a tub in the back entry for their umbrellas to drip into . Tell them to go down the hall and leave them , and pile their hats on the table ; the tree wo n't hold them all . No use to get mats ; my poor carpets ! ' And down went Mrs Jo to prepare for the invasion , while Josie and the maids flew about dismayed at the prospect of so many muddy boots . On they came , a long line of umbrellas , with splashed legs and flushed faces underneath ; for the gentlemen had been having a good time all over the town , undisturbed by the rain . Professor Bhaer met them at the gate , and was making a little speech of welcome , when Mrs Jo , touched by their bedraggled state , appeared at the door , beckoning them in .
Leaving their host to orate bareheaded in the wet , the young men hastened up the steps , merry , warm , and eager , clutching off their hats as they came , and struggling with their XXXXX , as the order was passed to march in and stack arms .
avenue entry eye feeling invasion prospect speech task tub umbrellas