"Of course they will; they are used to it now. Do it this
minute, sir!" commanded Jo, fearing he might propose a
proxy.

Laurie screwed up his face, and obeyed with a gingerly peck
at each little cheek that produced another laugh, and made the
babies squeal.

"There, I knew they did n't like it! That's the boy; see
him kick; he hits out with his fists like a good one. Now then,
young Brooke, pitch into a man of your own size, will you?"
cried Laurie, delighted with a poke in the face from a tiny
fist, flapping aimlessly about.

"He's to be named John Laurence, and the girl Margaret,
after mother and grandmother. We shall call her Daisy, so
as not to have two Megs, and I suppose the mannie will be
Jack, unless we find a better name," said Amy, with aunt-like
interest.

"Name him demijohn, and call him ' Demi' for short," said
Laurie.

" Daisy and Demi,--just the thing! I knew Teddy would
do it," cried Jo, clapping her hands.

Teddy certainly had done it that time, for the babies were
"Daisy" and "Demi" to the end of the chapter.

"COME JO, it's time."

"For what?"

"You don't mean to say you have forgotten that you promised
to make half a dozen calls with me to-day?"

"I've done a good many rash and foolish things in my life,
but I don't think I ever was mad enough to say I'd make six
calls in one day, when a single one upsets me for a week."

"Yes, you did; it was a bargain between us. I was to finish

-305-