Chapter 55
hoped, knowing that life would always be hard for one like him. She
was sure that before he went away again, in some quiet moment he
would give her a glimpse of his inner self, and then she could say
the word of warning or encouragement that he needed. So she bided her
time, studying him meanwhile, glad to see all that was promising, and
quick to detect the harm the world was doing him. She was very
anxious to make a success of her 'firebrand' because others predicted
failure; but having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay,
she contented herself with the hope that this neglected boy might
become a good man, and asked no more. Even that was much to expect,
so full was he of wayward impulses, strong passions, and the lawless
nature born in him. Nothing held him but the one affection of his
life--the memory of Plumfield, the fear of disappointing these
faithful friends, the pride, stronger than principle, that made him
want to keep the regard of the mates who always had admired and loved
him in spite of all his faults.
'Don't fret, old dear; Emil is one of the happy-go-lucky sort who
always fall on their legs. I'll see to Nat, and Dan is in a good way
now. Let him take a look at Kansas, and if the farm plan loses its
charm, he can fall back on poor Lo, and really do good out there.
He's unusually fitted for that peculiar task and I hope he'll decide
to do it. Fighting oppressors, and befriending the oppressed will
keep those dangerous energies of his busy, and the life will suit him
better than sheep-folds and wheat-fields.'
'I hope so. What is that?' and Mrs Jo leaned forward to listen, as
exclamations from Ted and Josie caught her ear.
'A mustang! a real, live one; and we can ride it. Dan, you are a
first-class trump!' cried the boy.
'A whole Indian dress for me! Now I can play Namioka, if the boys act
Metamora,' added Josie, clapping her hands.
'A buffalo's head for Bess! Good gracious, Dan, why did you bring
such a horrid thing as that to her?' asked Nan.
'Thought it would do her good to model something strong and natural.