Presently Ted rose straight up and going to his father , said bravely and humbly : ' I ought to be punished . Please do it ; but first say you forgive me , as Rob does . ' ` Always that , mein Sohn , seventy time seven , if needs be , else I am not worthy the name you give me . The punishment has come ; I can give no greater . Let it not be in vain . It will not with the help of the mother and the All Father . Room here for both , always ! ' The good Professor opened his arms and embraced his boys like a true German , not ashamed to express by gesture or by word the fatherly emotions an American would have compressed into a slap on the shoulder and a brief ` All right ' . Mrs Jo sat and enjoyed the prospect like a romantic soul as she was , and then they had a quiet talk together , saying freely all that was in their hearts , and finding much comfort in the confidence which comes when love casts out fear . It was agreed that nothing be said except to Nan , who was to be thanked and rewarded for her courage , discretion , and fidelity . ' I always knew that girl had the making of a fine woman in her , and this proves it . No panics and shrieks and faintings and fuss , but calm sense and energetic skill . Dear child , what can I give or do to show my gratitude ? ' said Mrs Jo enthusiastically . ` Make Tom clear out and leave her in peace , ' suggested Ted , almost himself again , though a pensive haze still partially obscured his native gaiety . ` Yes , do ! he frets her like a mosquito . She forbade him to come out here while she stayed , and packed him off with Demi . I like old Tom , but he is a regular noodle about Nan , ' added Rob , as he went away to help his father with the accumulated letters . ` I 'll do it ! '
said Mrs XXXXX decidedly .
Father German Jo Nan Professor Rob Sohn Ted Tom shrieks