`` Not quite , sir . '' `` And I 've got a tremendous will , have I ? '' `` I only said I thought so . '' `` But you like me in spite of it ? '' `` Yes , I do , sir . '' That answer pleased the old gentleman . He gave a short laugh , shook hands with her , and , putting his finger under her chin , turned up her face , examined it gravely , and let it go , saying with a nod , `` You 've got your grandfather 's spirit , if you have n't his face . He was a fine man , my dear , but what is better , he was a brave and an honest one , and I was proud to be his friend . '' `` Thank you , sir , '' And Jo was quite comfortable after that , for it suited her exactly . `` What have you been doing to this boy of mine , hey ? '' was the next question , sharply put . `` Only trying to be neighborly , sir . '' And Jo told how her visit came about . `` You think he needs cheering up a bit , do you ? '' `` Yes , sir , he seems a little lonely , and young folks would do him good perhaps . We are only girls , but we should be glad to help if we could , for we do n't forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us , '' said Jo eagerly . `` Tut , tut , tut ! That was the boy 's affair . How is the poor woman ? '' `` Doing nicely , sir . ''
And off went XXXXX , talking very fast , as she told all about the Hummels , in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were .
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