` I 'll try your plan , and keep good company this bout if I can ; but a man ca n't pick and choose , knocking about as I do . ' ` Yes , you can this time ; for you are going on a peaceful errand and can keep clear of temptation if you try . Take some books and read ; that 's an immense help ; and books are always good company if you have the right sort . Let me pick out some for you . ' And Mrs Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves , which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life . ` Give me travels and stories , please ; do n't want any pious works , ca n't seem to relish 'em , and wo n't pretend I do , ' said Dan , following to look over her head with small favour at the long lines of well-worn volumes . Mrs Jo turned short round , and putting a hand on either broad shoulder , looked him in the eye , saying soberly : ` Now , Dan , see here ; never sneer at good things or pretend to be worse than you are . Do n't let false shame make you neglect the religion without which no man can live . You need n't talk about it if you do n't like , but do n't shut your heart to it in whatever shape it comes . Nature is your God now ; she has done much for you ; let her do more , and lead you to know and love a wiser and more tender teacher , friend , and comforter than she can ever be . That is your only hope ; do n't throw it away , and waste time ; for sooner or later you will feel the need of Him , and He will come to you and hold you up when all other help fails . ' Dan stood motionless , and let her read in his softened eyes the dumb desire that lived in his heart , though he had no words to tell it , and only permitted her to catch a glimpse of the divine spark which smoulders or burns clearly in every human soul . He did not speak ; and glad to be spared some answer which should belie his real feelings , Mrs Jo hastened to say , with her most motherly smile : ' I saw in your room the little Bible I gave you long ago ; it was well worn outside , but fresh within , as if not much read . Will you promise me to read a little once a week , dear , for my sake ? Sunday is a quiet day everywhere , and this book is never old nor out of place . Begin with the stories you used to love when I told them to you boys . David was your favourite , you remember ? Read him again ; he 'll suit you even better now , and you 'll find his sins and repentance useful reading till you come to the life and work of a diviner example than he . You will do it , for love of mother Bhaer , who always loved her `` firebrand '' and hoped to save him ? ' ' I will , ' answered Dan , with a sudden brightening of face that was like a sunburst through a cloud , full of promise though so short-lived and rare .
Mrs Jo turned at once to the books and began to talk of them , knowing well that XXXXX would not hear any more just then .
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