It lifted at other times , and seemed almost forgotten when he joked with the boys , talked with old friends , or enjoyed the first snows as he drove out every fair day . Why should the shadow always fall so darkly on him in the society of these innocent and friendly girls ? They never seemed to see it , and if either looked or spoke , a quick smile came like a sunburst through the clouds to answer them . So Mrs Jo went on watching , wondering , and discovering , till accident confirmed her fears . Josie was called away one day , and Bess , tired of working , offered to take her place if he cared for more reading . ' I do ; your reading suits me better than Jo 's . She goes so fast my stupid head gets in a muddle and soon begins to ache . Do n't tell her ; she 's a dear little soul , and so good to sit here with a bear like me . ' The smile was ready as Bess went to the table for a new book , the last story being finished . ` You are not a bear , but very good and patient , we think . It is always hard for a man to be shut up , mamma says , and must be terrible for you , who have always been so free . ' If Bess had not been reading titles she would have seen Dan shrink as if her last words hurt him . He made no answer ; but other eyes saw and understood why he looked as if he would have liked to spring up and rush away for one of his long races up the hill , as he used to do when the longing for liberty grew uncontrollable . Moved by a sudden impulse , Mrs Jo caught up her work-basket and went to join her neighbours , feeling that a non-conductor might be needed ; for Dan looked like a thundercloud full of electricity . ` What shall we read , Aunty ? Dan does n't seem to care . You know his taste ; tell me something quiet and pleasant and short . Josie will be back soon , ' said Bess , still turning over the books piled on the centre-table . Before Mrs Jo could answer , Dan pulled a shabby little volume from under his pillow , and handing it to her said : ` Please read the third one ; it 's short and pretty -- I 'm fond of it . ' The book opened at the right place , as if the third story had been often read , and Bess smiled as she saw the name .
` Why , XXXXX , I should n't think you 'd care for this romantic German tale .
Dan Jo Josie accident fall muddle sunburst third thundercloud work-basket