How could I ask you to gif up so much for a poor old fellow , who has no fortune but a little learning ? '' `` I 'm glad you are poor . I could n't bear a rich husband , '' said Jo decidedly , adding in a softer tone , `` Do n't fear poverty . I 've known it long enough to lose my dread and be happy working for those I love , and do n't call yourself old -- forty is the prime of life . I could n't help loving you if you were seventy ! '' The Professor found that so touching that he would have been glad of his handkerchief , if he could have got at it . As he could n't , Jo wiped his eyes for him , and said , laughing , as she took away a bundle or two ... `` I may be strong-minded , but no one can say I 'm out of my sphere now , for woman 's special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens . I 'm to carry my share , Friedrich , and help to earn the home . Make up your mind to that , or I 'll never go , '' she added resolutely , as he tried to reclaim his load . `` We shall see . Haf you patience to wait a long time , Jo ? I must go away and do my work alone . I must help my boys first , because , even for you , I may not break my word to Minna . Can you forgif that , and be happy while we hope and wait ? '' `` Yes , I know I can , for we love one another , and that makes all the rest easy to bear . I have my duty , also , and my work . I could n't enjoy myself if I neglected them even for you , so there 's no need of hurry or impatience . You can do your part out West , I can do mine here , and both be happy hoping for the best , and leaving the future to be as God wills . '' `` Ah ! Thou gifest me such hope and courage , and I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands , '' cried the Professor , quite overcome .
XXXXX never , never would learn to be proper , for when he said that as they stood upon the steps , she just put both hands into his , whispering tenderly , `` Not empty now , '' and stooping down , kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella .
Friedrich Haf Jo Minna Professor West duty first gif handkerchief