said Dan , coming to lean on the low window-ledge , with an evident desire to continue the subject . `` I knew it was foolish , and love for my mother kept me at home . '' `` I have n't got any mother , '' began Dan . `` I thought you had now , '' said Mrs. Jo , gently stroking the rough hair off his hot forehead . `` You are no end good to me , and I ca n't ever thank you enough , but it just is n't the same , is it ? '' and Dan looked up at her with a wistful , hungry look that went to her heart . `` No , dear , it is not the same , and never can be . I think an own mother would have been a great deal to you . But as that can not be , you must try to let me fill her place . I fear I have not done all I ought , or you would not want to leave me , '' she added , sorrowfully . `` Yes , you have ! '' cried Dan , eagerly . `` I do n't want to go , and I wo n't go , if I can help it ; but every now and then I feel as if I must burst out somehow . I want to run straight ahead somewhere , to smash something , or pitch into somebody . Do n't know why , but I do , and that 's all about it . '' Dan laughed as he spoke , but he meant what he said , for he knit his black brows , and brought down his fist on the ledge with such force , that Mrs. Jo 's thimble flew off into the grass . He brought it back , and as she took it she held the big , brown hand a minute , saying , with a look that showed the words cost her something , `` Well , Dan , run if you must , but do n't run very far ; and come back to me soon , for I want you very much . '' He was rather taken aback by this unexpected permission to play truant , and somehow it seemed to lessen his desire to go . He did not understand why , but Mrs. Jo did , and , knowing the natural perversity of the human mind , counted on it to help her now . She felt instinctively that the more the boy was restrained the more he would fret against it ; but leave him free , and the mere sense of liberty would content him , joined to the knowledge that his presence was dear to those whom he loved best .
It was a little experiment , but it succeeded , for XXXXX stood silent a moment , unconsciously picking the fan to pieces and turning the matter over in his mind .
Dan Jo deal hair heart mind minute perversity something window-ledge