After the last excitement peace descended upon Plumfield andreigned unbroken for several weeks, for the elder boys felt that theloss of Nan and Rob lay at their door, and all became so paternalin their care that they were rather wearying; while the little oneslistened to Nan's recital of her perils so many times, that theyregarded being lost as the greatest ill humanity was heir to, andhardly dared to put their little noses outside the great gate lestnight should suddenly descend upon them, and ghostly black cowscome looming through the dusk.

"It is too good to last," said Mrs. Jo; for years of boy-culture hadtaught her that such lulls were usually followed by outbreaks ofsome sort, and when less wise women would have thought that theboys had become confirmed saints, she prepared herself for asudden eruption of the domestic volcano.

One cause of this welcome calm was a visit from little Bess,whose parents lent her for a week while they were away withGrandpa Laurence, who was poorly. The boys regarded Goldilocksas a mixture of child, angel, and fairy, for she was a lovely littlecreature, and the golden hair which she inherited from her blondemamma enveloped her like a shining veil, behind which shesmiled upon her worshippers when gracious, and hid herself whenoffended. Her father would not have it cut and it hung below herwaist, so soft and fine and bright, that Demi insisted that it wassilk spun from a cocoon. Every one praised the little Princess, butit did not seem to do her harm, only to teach her that her presencebrought sunshine, her smiles made answering smiles on otherfaces, and her baby griefs filled every heart with tenderestsympathy.

Unconsciously, she did her young subjects more good than many areal sovereign, for her rule was very gentle and her power was feltrather than seen. Her natural refinement made her dainty in allthings, and had a good effect upon the careless lads about her. Shewould let no one touch her roughly or with unclean hands, andmore soap was used during her visits than at any other time,because the boys considered it the highest honor to be allowed tocarry her highness, and the deepest disgrace to be repulsed withthe disdainful command, "Do away, dirty boy!"

Lour voices displeased her and quarrelling frightened her; sogentler tones came into the boyish voices as they addressed her,and squabbles were promptly suppressed in her presence bylookers-on if the principles could not restrain themselves. Sheliked to be waited on, and the biggest boys did her little errandswithout a murmur, while the small lads were her devoted slaves inall things. They begged to be allowed to draw her carriage, bearher berry-basket, or pass her plate at table. No service was toohumble, and Tommy and Ned came to blows before they coulddecide which should have the honor of blacking her little boots.

Nan was especially benefited by a week in the society of awell-bred lady, though such a very small one; for Bess would lookat her with a mixture of wonder and alarm in her great blue eyeswhen the hoyden screamed and romped; and she shrunk from heras if she thought her a sort of wild animal. Warm-hearted Nan feltthis very much. She said at first, "Pooh! I don't care!" But she didcare, and was so hurt when Bess said, "I love my tuzzin best, tauseshe is twiet," that she shook poor Daisy till her teeth chattered inher head, and then fled to the barn to cry dismally. In that generalrefuge for perturbed spirits she found comfort and good counselfrom some source or other. Perhaps the swallows from theirmud-built nests overhead twittered her a little lecture on the beautyof gentleness. However that might have been, she came out quitesubdued, and carefully searched the orchard for a certain kind ofearly apple that Bess liked because it was sweet and small androsy. Armed with this peace-offering, she approached the littlePrincess, and humbly presented it. To her great joy it wasgraciously accepted, and when Daisy gave Nan a forgiving kiss,Bess did likewise, as if she felt that she had been too severe, anddesired to apologize. After this they played pleasantly together,and Nan enjoyed the royal favor for days. To be sure she felt alittle like a wild bird in a pretty cage at first, and occasionally hadto slip out to stretch her wings in a long flight, or to sing at the topof her voice, where neither would disturb the plump turtle-doveDaisy, nor the dainty golden canary Bess. But it did her good; for,seeing how every one loved the little Princess for her small gracesand virtues, she began to imitate her, because Nan wanted muchlove, and tried hard to win it.

Not a boy in the house but felt the pretty child's influence, and wasimproved by it without exactly knowing how or why, for babiescan work miracles in the hearts that love them. Poor Billy foundinfinite satisfaction in staring at her, and though she did not like itshe permitted without a frown, after she had been made tounderstand that he was not quite like the others, and on thataccount must be more kindly treated. Dick and Dollyoverwhelmed her with willow whistles, the only thing they knewhow to make, and she accepted but never used them. Rob servedher like a little lover, and Teddy followed her like a pet dog. Jackshe did not like, because he was afflicted with warts and had aharsh voice. Stuffy displeased her because he did not eat tidily, andGeorge tried hard not to gobble, that he might not disgust thedainty little lady opposite. Ned was banished from court in utterdisgrace when he was discovered tormenting some unhappyfield-mice. Goldilocks could never forget the sad spectacle, andretired behind her veil when he approached, waving him awaywith an imperious little hand, and crying, in a tone of mingledgrief and anger,

"No, I tarn't love him; he tut the poor mouses' little tails off, andthey queeked!"

Daisy promptly abdicated when Bess came, and took the humblepost of chief cook, while Nan was first maid of honor; Emil waschancellor of the exchequer, and spent the public monies lavishlyin getting up spectacles that cost whole ninepences. Franz wasprime minister, and directed her affairs of state, planned royalprogresses through the kingdom, and kept foreign powers in order.Demi was her philosopher, and fared much better than suchgentlemen usually do among crowned heads. Dan was her standingarmy, and defended her territories gallantly; Tommy was courtfool, and Nat a tuneful Rizzio to this innocent little Mary.

Uncle Fritz and Aunt Jo enjoyed this peaceful episode, and lookedon at the pretty play in which the young folk unconsciouslyimitated their elders, without adding the tragedy that is so apt tospoil the dramas acted on the larger stage.

"They teach us quite as much as we teach them," said Mr. Bhaer.

"Bless the dears! they never guess how many hints they give us asto the best way of managing them," answered Mrs. Jo.

"I think you were right about the good effect of having girls amongthe boys. Nan has stirred up Daisy, and Bess is teaching the littlebears how to behave better than we can. If this reformation goes onas it has begun, I shall soon feel like Dr. Blimber with his modelyoung gentlemen," said Professor, laughing, as he saw Tommy notonly remove his own hat, but knock off Ned's also, as they enteredthe hall where the Princess was taking a ride on the rocking-horse,attended by Rob and Teddy astride of chairs, and playing gallantknights to the best of their ability.

"You will never be a Blimber, Fritz, you couldn't do it if you tried;and our boys will never submit to the forcing process of thatfamous hot-bed. No fear that they will be too elegant: Americanboys like liberty too well. But good manners they cannot fail tohave, if we give them the kindly spirit that shines through thesimplest demeanor, making it courteous and cordial, like yours,my dear old boy."

"Tut! tut! we will not compliment; for if I begin you will run away,and I have a wish to enjoy this happy half hour to the end;" yet Mr.Bhaer looked pleased with the compliment, for it was true, andMrs. Jo felt that she had received the best her husband could giveher, by saying that he found his truest rest and happiness in hersociety.

"To return to the children: I have just had another proof ofGoldilocks' good influence," said Mrs. Jo, drawing her chair nearerthe sofa, where the Professor lay resting after a long day's work inhis various gardens. "Nan hates sewing, but for love of Bess hasbeen toiling half the afternoon over a remarkable bag in which topresent a dozen of our love-apples to her idol when she goes. Ipraised her for it, and she said, in her quick way, 'I like to sew forother people; it is stupid sewing for myself.' I took the hint, andshall give her some little shirts and aprons for Mrs. Carney'schildren. She is so generous, she will sew her fingers sore forthem, and I shall not have to make a task of it."

"But needlework is not a fashionable accomplishment, my dear."

"Sorry for it. My girls shall learn all I can teach them about it, evenif they give up the Latin, Algebra, and half-a-dozen ologies it isconsidered necessary for girls to muddle their poor brains overnow-a-days. Amy means to make Bess an accomplished woman,but the dear's mite of a forefinger has little pricks on it already,and her mother has several specimens of needlework which shevalues more than the clay bird without a bill, that filled Lauriewith such pride when Bess made it."

"I also have proof of the Princess's power," said Mrs. Bhaer, afterhe had watched Mrs. Jo sew on a button with an air of scorn forthe whole system of fashionable education. "Jack is so unwilling tobe classed with Stuffy and Ned, as distasteful to Bess, that he cameto me a little while ago, and asked me to touch his warts withcaustic. I have often proposed it, and he never would consent; butnow he bore the smart manfully, and consoles his presentdiscomfort by hopes of future favor, when he can show herfastidious ladyship a smooth hand."

Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the story, and just then Stuffy came in to askif he might give Goldilocks some of the bonbons his mother hadsent him.

"She is not allowed to eat sweeties; but if you like to give her thepretty box with the pink sugar-rose in it, she would like it verymuch," said Mrs. Jo, unwilling to spoil this unusual piece ofself-denial, for the "fat boy" seldom offered to share hissugar-plums.

"Won't she eat it? I shouldn't like to make her sick," said Stuffy,eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly, yet putting it into the box.

"Oh, no, she won't touch it, if I tell her it is to look at, not to eat.She will keep it for weeks, and never think of tasting it. Can youdo as much?"

"I should hope so! I'm ever so much older than she is," criedStuffy, indignantly.

"Well, suppose we try. Here, put your bonbons in this bag, and seehow long you can keep them. Let me count two hearts, four redfishes, three barley-sugar horses, nine almonds, and a dozenchocolate drops. Do you agree to that?" asked sly Mrs. Jo, poppingthe sweeties into her little spool-bag.

"Yes," said Stuffy, with a sigh; and pocketing the forbidden fruit,he went away to give Bess the present, that won a smile from her,and permission to escort her round the garden.

"Poor Stuffy's heart has really got the better of his stomach at last,and his efforts will be much encouraged by the rewards Bess giveshim," said Mrs. Jo.

"Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learnself-denial from so sweet a little teacher!" added Mr. Bhaer, as thechildren passed the window, Stuffy's fat face full of placidsatisfaction, and Goldilocks surveying her sugar-rose with politeinterest, though she would have preferred a real flower with a"pitty smell."

When her father came to take her home, a universal wail arose,and the parting gifts showered upon her increased her luggage tosuch an extent that Mr. Laurie proposed having out the big wagonto take it into town. Every one had given her something; and it wasfound difficult to pack white mice, cake, a parcel of shells, apples,a rabbit kicking violently in a bag, a large cabbage for hisrefreshment, a bottle of minnows, and a mammoth bouquet. Thefarewell scene was moving, for the Princess sat upon thehall-table, surrounded by her subjects. She kissed her cousins, andheld out her hand to the other boys, who shook it gently withvarious soft speeches, for they were taught not to be ashamed ofshowing their emotions.

"Come again soon, little dear," whispered Dan, fastening his bestgreen-and-gold beetle in her hat.

"Don't forget me, Princess, whatever you do," said the engagingTommy, taking a last stroke of the pretty hair.

"I am coming to your house next week, and then I shall see you,Bess," added Nat, as if he found consolation in the thought.

"Do shake hands now," cried Jack, offering a smooth paw.

"Here are two nice new ones to remember us by," said Dick andDolly, presenting fresh whistles, quite unconscious that seven oldones had been privately deposited in the kitchen-stove.

"My little precious! I shall work you a book-mark right away, andyou must keep it always," said Nan, with a warm embrace.

But of all the farewells, poor Billy's was the most pathetic, for thethought that she was really going became so unbearable that hecast himself down before her, hugging her little blue boots andblubbering despairingly, "Don't go away! oh, don't!" Goldilockswas so touched by this burst of feeling, that she leaned over andlifting the poor lad's head, said, in her soft, little voice,

"Don't cry, poor Billy! I will tiss you and tum adain soon."

This promise consoled Billy, and he fell back beaming with prideat the unusual honor conferred upon him.

"Me too! me too!" clamored Dick and Dolly, feeling that theirdevotion deserved some return. The others looked as if they wouldlike to join in the cry; and something in the kind, merry facesabout her moved the Princess to stretch out her arms and say, withreckless condescension,

"I will tiss evvybody!"

Like a swarm of bees about a very sweet flower, the affectionatelads surrounded their pretty playmate, and kissed her till shelooked like a little rose, not roughly, but so enthusiastically thatnothing but the crown of her hat was visible for a moment. Thenher father rescued her, and she drove away still smiling andwaving her hands, while the boys sat on the fence screaming like aflock of guinea-fowls, "Come back! come back!" till she was outof sight.

They all missed her, and each dimly felt that he was better forhaving known a creature so lovely, delicate, and sweet; for littleBess appealed to the chivalrous instinct in them as something tolove, admire, and protect with a tender sort of reverence. Many aman remembers some pretty child who has made a place in hisheart and kept her memory alive by the simple magic of herinnocence; these little men were just learning to feel this power,and to love it for its gentle influence, not ashamed to let the smallhand lead them, nor to own their loyalty to womankind, even inthe bud.