They are not so interesting to me as Tina and the boys, but I do my duty by them, and they are fond of me.

Franz and Emil are jolly little lads, quite after my own heart, for the mixture of German and American spirit in them produces a constant state of effervescence.

Saturday afternoons are riotous times, whether spent in the house or out, for on pleasant days they all go to walk, like a seminary, with the Professor and myself to keep order, and then such fun! We are very good friends now, and I've begun to take lessons.

I really couldn't help it, and it all came about in such a droll way that I must tell you.

To begin at the beginning, Mrs.Kirke called to me one day as I passed Mr.Bhaer's room where she was rummaging.
"Did you ever see such a den, my dear?
Just come and help me put these books to rights, for I've turned everything upside down, trying to discover what he has done with the six new handkerchiefs I gave him not long ago." I went in, and while we worked I looked about me, for it was 'a den' to be sure.