She knew that his crime and its punishment must lie heavy on his mind; but youth, and time, and new hopes would bring comfort, and help to wear away the first sharpness of the prison brand.

It lifted at other times, and seemed almost forgotten when he joked with the boys, talked with old friends, or enjoyed the first snows as he drove out every fair day.

Why should the shadow always fall so darkly on him in the society of these innocent and friendly girls?
They never seemed to see it, and if either looked or spoke, a quick smile came like a sunburst through the clouds to answer them.

So Mrs Jo went on watching, wondering, and discovering, till accident confirmed her fears.
Josie was called away one day, and Bess, tired of working, offered to take her place if he cared for more reading.
'I do; your reading suits me better than Jo's.

She goes so fast my stupid head gets in a muddle and soon begins to ache.