Ted's sorry, I don't mind, and it has done us both good.' Mrs Jo looked at Ted, who winked hard but bore the look like a man; then she turned to Rob, who smiled at her so cheerfully that she felt reassured; but something in his face struck her, and she saw what it was that made him seem older, graver, yet more lovable than ever.

It was the look pain of mind, as well as body, brings, and the patience of a sweet submission to some inevitable trial.

Like a flash she guessed that some danger had been near her boy, and the glances she had caught between the two lads and Nan confirmed her fears.
'Rob, dear, you have been ill, hurt, or seriously troubled by Ted?
Tell me at once; I will not have any secrets now.

Boys sometimes suffer all their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness.

Fritz, make them speak out!' Mr Bhaer put down his papers and came to stand before them, saying in a tone that quieted Mrs Jo, and gave the boys courage: 'My sons, give us the truth.