Don't tell her; she's a dear little soul, and so good to sit here with a bear like me.' The smile was ready as Bess went to the table for a new book, the last story being finished.
'You are not a bear, but very good and patient, we think.

It is always hard for a man to be shut up, mamma says, and must be terrible for you, who have always been so free.' If Bess had not been reading titles she would have seen Dan shrink as if her last words hurt him.

He made no answer; but other eyes saw and understood why he looked as if he would have liked to spring up and rush away for one of his long races up the hill, as he used to do when the longing for liberty grew uncontrollable.

Moved by a sudden impulse, Mrs Jo caught up her work-basket and went to join her neighbours, feeling that a non-conductor might be needed; for Dan looked like a thundercloud full of electricity.
'What shall we read, Aunty?
Dan doesn't seem to care.

You know his taste; tell me something quiet and pleasant and short.