They were all right in a minute ; but such news is always a shock , even if the peril is past , and Mrs Jo hugged her boy close till his father came and took him away , saying with a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in his voice : ` To be in danger of one 's life tries a man 's mettle , and you bear it well ; but I can not spare my good boy yet ; thank Gott , we keep him safe ! ' A smothered sound , between a choke and a groan , came from under the pillows , and the writhing of Ted 's long legs so plainly expressed despair that his mother relented towards him , and burrowing till she found a tousled yellow head , pulled it out and smoothed it , exclaiming with an irrepressible laugh , though her cheeks were wet with tears : ` Come and be forgiven , poor sinner ! I know you have suffered enough , and I wo n't say a word ; only if harm had come to Rob you would have made me more miserable than yourself . Oh , Teddy , Teddy , do try to cure that wilful spirit of yours before it is too late ! ' ` Oh , Mum , I do try ! I never can forget this -- I hope it 's cured me ; if it has n't , I am afraid I ai n't worth saving , ' answered Ted , pulling his own hair as the only way of expressing his deep remorse . ` Yes , you are , my dear ; I felt just so at fifteen when Amy was nearly drowned , and Marmee helped me as I 'll help you . Come to me , Teddy , when the evil one gets hold of you , and together we 'll rout him . Ah , me ! I 've had many a tussle with that old Apollyon , and often got worsted , but not always . Come under my shield , and we 'll fight till we win . ' No one spoke for a minute as Ted and his mother laughed and cried in one handkerchief , and Rob stood with his father 's arm round him so happy that all was told and forgiven , though never to be forgotten ; for such experiences do one good , and knit hearts that love more closely together . 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 XXXXX 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 .
Apollyon Jo Marmee Professor Sohn Ted drowned minute quiver right