Jo's Boys - Bibliotecadigital.puc-campinas.edu.br

Chapter 5 46Tom and Nan took all the time they could spare from their studies to enjoy high jinks at Plumfield with theirold friends; for Emil's next voyage was to be a long one, Nat's absence was uncertain, and no one ever knewwhen Dan would turn up again. They all seemed to feel that life was beginning to grow serious; and evenwhile 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 oneanother before they drifted farther 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 wentalong to see him off; for his own plans fermented in his head, and he was eager to be up and doing. A farewelldance was given on Parnassus in honour of the travellers, and all turned out in their best array and gayestspirits. George and Dolly came with the latest Harvard airs 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 andbest wishes, and no one mourned their absence; for they were among what Mrs Jo called her failures. PoorTom got into trouble, as usual, by deluging his head with some highly scented preparation in the vain hope ofmaking his tight curls lie flat and smooth, as was the style. Unhappily, his rebellious crop only kinked thecloser, and the odour of many barbers' shops clung to him in spite of his frantic efforts to banish it. Nanwouldn't allow him near her, and flapped her fan vigorously whenever he was in sight; which cut him to theheart, and made him feel like the Peri shut out from Paradise. Of course his mates jeered at him, and nothingbut the unquenchable jollity of his nature kept him from despair.Emil was resplendent in his new uniform, and danced with an abandon which only sailors know. His pumpsseemed to be everywhere, and his partners soon lost breath trying to keep up with him; but the girls alldeclared he steered like an angel, and in spite of his pace no collisions took place; so he was happy, and foundno 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 themany-buttoned trousers, loose jacket, and gay sash, flung his serape over his shoulder with a flourish andlooked his best, doing great execution with his long spurs, as he taught Josie strange steps or rolled his blackeyes admiringly after certain blonde damsels whom he dared not address.The mammas sat in the alcove, supplying pins, smiles, and kindly words to all, especially the awkward youthsnew to such scenes, and the bashful girls conscious of faded muslins and cleaned gloves. It was pleasant to seestately Mrs Amy promenade on the arm of a tall country boy, with thick boots and a big forehead, or Mrs Jodance like a girl with a shy fellow whose arms went like pump-handles, and whose face was scarlet withconfusion and pride at the honour of treading on the toes of the president's wife. Mrs Meg always had room onher sofa for two or three girls, and Mr Laurie devoted himself to these plain, poorly dressed damsels with akindly grace that won their hearts and made them happy. The good Professor circulated like refreshments, andhis cheerful face shone on all alike, while Mr March discussed Greek comedy in the study with such seriousgentlemen as never unbent their mighty minds to frivolous joys.The long music-room, parlour, 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 has nearly rent me "in sunder", as Mr Peggotty would say. But didn'the enjoy himself, bumping against his fellow men and swinging me round like a mop. On these occasions Ifind that I'm not as young as I was, nor as light of foot. In ten years more we shall be meal-bags, sister; so beresigned.' And Mrs Jo subsided into a corner, much dishevelled 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 Amywill always keep her lovely figure. She looks about eighteen tonight, in her white gown and roses,' answeredMeg, busily pinning up one sister's torn frills, while her eyes fondly followed the other's graceful movements;