When supper was over , a second deputation removed the tray ; and Dan said , holding out his arms for sleepy little Teddy , `` Let me put him to bed , you 're so tired , Mother . '' `` Will you go with him , lovey ? '' asked Mrs. Jo of her small lord and master , who lay on her arm among the sofa-pillows . `` Torse I will ; '' and he was proudly carried off by his faithful bearer . `` I wish I could do something , '' said Nat , with a sigh , as Franz leaned over the sofa , and softly stroked Aunt Jo 's hot forehead . `` You can , dear . Go and get your violin , and play me the sweet little airs Uncle Teddy sent you last . Music will comfort me better than any thing else to-night . '' Nat flew for his fiddle , and , sitting just outside her door , played as he had never done before , for now his heart was in it , and seemed to magnetize his fingers . The other lads sat quietly upon the steps , keeping watch that no new-comer should disturb the house ; Franz lingered at his post ; and so , soothed , served , and guarded by her boys , poor Mrs. Jo slept at last , and forgot her sorrow for an hour . Two quiet days , and on the third Mr. Bhaer came in just after school , with a note in his hand , looking both moved and pleased . `` I want to read you something , boys , '' he said ; and as they stood round him he read this : `` DEAR BROTHER FRITZ , I hear that you do not mean to bring your flock today , thinking that I may not like it . Please do . The sight of his friends will help Demi through the hard hour , and I want the boys to hear what father says of my John . It will do them good , I know . If they would sing one of the sweet old hymns you have taught them so well , I should like it better than any other music , and feel that it was beautifully suited to the occasion . Please ask them , with my love . `` MEG . '' `` Will you go ? '' and Mr. Bhaer looked at the lads , who were greatly touched by Mrs. Brooke 's kind words and wishes .
`` Yes , '' they answered , like one boy ; and an hour later they went away with Franz to bear their part in John XXXXX 's simple funeral .
Brooke Dan Demi FRITZ Franz Jo Mother Nat lovey sofa-pillows