Music will comfort me better than any thing else to-night . '' Nat flew for his fiddle , and , sitting just outside her door , played as he had never done before , for now his heart was in it , and seemed to magnetize his fingers . The other lads sat quietly upon the steps , keeping watch that no new-comer should disturb the house ; Franz lingered at his post ; and so , soothed , served , and guarded by her boys , poor Mrs. Jo slept at last , and forgot her sorrow for an hour . Two quiet days , and on the third Mr. Bhaer came in just after school , with a note in his hand , looking both moved and pleased . `` I want to read you something , boys , '' he said ; and as they stood round him he read this : `` DEAR BROTHER FRITZ , I hear that you do not mean to bring your flock today , thinking that I may not like it . Please do . The sight of his friends will help Demi through the hard hour , and I want the boys to hear what father says of my John . It will do them good , I know . If they would sing one of the sweet old hymns you have taught them so well , I should like it better than any other music , and feel that it was beautifully suited to the occasion . Please ask them , with my love . `` MEG . '' `` Will you go ? '' and Mr. Bhaer looked at the lads , who were greatly touched by Mrs. Brooke 's kind words and wishes . `` Yes , '' they answered , like one boy ; and an hour later they went away with Franz to bear their part in John Brooke 's simple funeral . The little house looked as quiet , sunny , and home-like as when Meg entered it as a bride , ten years ago , only then it was early summer , and rose blossomed everywhere ; now it was early autumn , and dead leaves rustled softly down , leaving the branches bare . The bride was a widow now ; but the same beautiful serenity shone in her face , and the sweet resignation of a truly pious soul made her presence a consolation to those who came to comfort her . `` O Meg ! how can you bear it so ? '' whispered Jo , as she met them at the door with a smile of welcome , and no change in her gentle manner , except more gentleness . `` Dear Jo , the love that has blest me for ten happy years supports me still .
It could not die , and John is more my own than ever , '' whispered XXXXX ; and in her eyes the tender trust was so beautiful and bright , that Jo believed her , and thanked God for the immortality of love like hers .
Bhaer Brooke Demi FRITZ Jo Meg days hour new-comer years