They laughed at her, hustled her out of the way, and protested against her meddling with their affairs.

But she would not be quenched and she would be heard, for her will was strong, and she had the spirit of a rampant reformer.

Mrs.Bhaer sympathized with her, but tired to curb her frantic desire for entire liberty, showing her that she must wait a little, learn self-control, and be ready to use her freedom before she asked for it.

Nan had meek moments when she agreed to this, and the influences at work upon her were gradually taking effect.
She no longer declared that she would be engine-driver or a blacksmith, but turned her mind to farming, and found in it a vent for the energy bottled up in her active little body.

It did not quite satisfy her, however; for her sage and sweet marjoram were dumb things, and could not thank her for her care.