This wore off after a while ; but a change came over the freakish boy , and everyone observed it , even before his mother returned to ask what they had done to quench the Lion 's spirits . He was gay , but not so heedless ; and often when the old wilfulness beset him , he would check it sharply , look at Rob , and give up , or stalk away to have his sulk out alone . He no longer made fun of his brother 's old-fashioned ways and bookish tastes , but treated him with a new and very marked respect , which touched and pleased modest Rob , and much amazed all observers . It seemed as if he felt that he owed him reparation for the foolish act that might have cost him his life ; and love being stronger than will , Ted forgot his pride , and paid his debt like an honest boy . ' I do n't understand it , ' said Mrs Jo , after a week of home life , much impressed by the good behaviour of her younger son . ` Ted is such a saint , I 'm afraid we are going to lose him . Is it Meg 's sweet influence , or Daisy 's fine cooking , or the pellets I catch Nan giving him on the sly ? Some witchcraft has been at work during my absence , and this will-o ' - the-wisp is so amiable , quiet , and obedient , I do n't know him . ' ` He is growing up , heart 's - dearest , and being a precocious plant , he begins to bloom early . I also see a change in my Robchen . He is more manly and serious than ever , and is seldom far from me , as if his love for the old papa was growing with his growth . Our boys will often surprise us in this way , Jo , and we can only rejoice over them and leave them to become what Gott pleases . ' As the Professor spoke , his eyes rested proudly on the brothers , who came walking up the steps together , Ted 's arm over Rob 's shoulder as he listened attentively to some geological remarks Rob was making on a stone he held . Usually , Ted made fun of such tastes , and loved to lay boulders in the student 's path , put brickbats under his pillow , gravel in his shoes , or send parcels of dirt by express to ` Prof. R. M. Bhaer ' . Lately , he had treated Rob 's hobbies respectfully , and had begun to appreciate the good qualities of this quiet brother whom he had always loved but rather undervalued , till his courage under fire won Ted 's admiration , and made it impossible to forget a fault , the consequences of which might have been so terrible . The leg was still lame , though doing well , and Ted was always offering an arm as support , gazing anxiously at his brother , and trying to guess his wants ; for regret was still keen in Ted 's soul , and Rob 's forgiveness only made it deeper . A fortunate slip on the stairs gave Rob an excuse for limping , and no one but Nan and Ted saw the wound ; so the secret was safe up to this time . ` We are talking about you , my lads . Come in and tell us what good fairy has been at work while we were gone . Or is it because absence sharpens our eyes , that we find such pleasant changes when we come back ? '
said Mrs XXXXX , patting the sofa on either side , while the Professor forgot his piles of letters to admire the pleasing prospect of his wife in a bower of arms , as the boys sat down beside her , smiling affectionately , but feeling a little guilty ; for till now ` Mum ' and ` Vater ' knew every event in their boyish lives .
Daisy Gott Jo Meg Nan Professor Ted brickbats sulk witchcraft