Makes it hard; but it don't matter.' 'Don't tell 'em; then they can't worry,' said Ted, with the nod of one versed in the management of the sex.
'Don't intend to.

Mind you keep your notions to yourself, for some of 'em are wide of the mark.

Now you may read if you like'; and there the talk ended; but Ted took great comfort in it, and looked as wise as an owl afterwards.
A few quiet weeks followed, during which Dan chafed at the delay; and when at length word came that his credentials were ready, he was eager to be off, to forget a vain love in hard work, and live for others, since he might not for himself.
So one wild March morning our Sintram rode away, with horse and hound, to face again the enemies who would have conquered him, but for Heaven's help and human pity.
'Ah, me! it does seem as if life was made of partings, and they get harder as we go on,' sighed Mrs Jo, a week later, as she sat in the long parlour at Parnassus one evening, whither the family had gone to welcome the travellers back.
'And meetings too, dear; for here we are, and Nat is on his way at last.
Look for the silver lining, as Marmee used to say, and be comforted,' answered Mrs Amy, glad to be at home and find no wolves prowling near her sheepfold.
'I've been so worried lately, I can't help croaking.

I wonder what Dan thought at not seeing you again?
It was wise; but he would have enjoyed another look at home faces before he went into the wilderness,' said Mrs Jo regretfully.
'Much better so.

We left notes and all we could think of that he might need, and slipped away before he came.