So Don departed without a murmur , and our three conspirators took counsel together how to spare the family all anxiety , and give Rob the rest his leg demanded . Fortunately , he always spent many hours in his little study , so he could lie on the sofa with a book in his hand as long as he liked , without exciting any remark . Being of a quiet temperament , he did not worry himself or Nan with useless fears , but believed what was told him , and dismissing all dark possibilities , went cheerfully on his way , soon recovering from the shock of what he called ` our scare ' . But excitable Ted was harder to manage , and it took all Nan 's wit and wisdom to keep him from betraying the secret ; for it was best to say nothing and spare all discussion of the subject for Rob 's sake . Ted 's remorse preyed upon him , and having no ` Mum ' to confide in , he was very miserable . By day he devoted himself to Rob , waiting on him , talking to him , gazing anxiously at him , and worrying the good fellow very much ; though he would n't own it , since Ted found comfort in it . But at night , when all was quiet , Ted 's lively imagination and heavy heart got the better of him , and kept him awake , or set him walking in his sleep . Nan had her eye on him , and more than once administered a little dose to give him a rest , read to him , scolded him , and when she caught him haunting the house in the watches of the night , threatened to lock him up if he did not stay in his bed . This wore off after a while ; but a change came over the freakish boy , and everyone observed it , even before his mother returned to ask what they had done to quench the Lion 's spirits . He was gay , but not so heedless ; and often when the old wilfulness beset him , he would check it sharply , look at Rob , and give up , or stalk away to have his sulk out alone . He no longer made fun of his brother 's old-fashioned ways and bookish tastes , but treated him with a new and very marked respect , which touched and pleased modest Rob , and much amazed all observers . It seemed as if he felt that he owed him reparation for the foolish act that might have cost him his life ; and love being stronger than will , Ted forgot his pride , and paid his debt like an honest boy . ' I do n't understand it , ' said Mrs Jo , after a week of home life , much impressed by the good behaviour of her younger son . ` Ted is such a saint , I 'm afraid we are going to lose him . Is it Meg 's sweet influence , or Daisy 's fine cooking , or the pellets I catch Nan giving him on the sly ? Some witchcraft has been at work during my absence , and this will-o ' - the-wisp is so amiable , quiet , and obedient , I do n't know him . ' ` He is growing up , heart 's - dearest , and being a precocious plant , he begins to bloom early . I also see a change in my Robchen . He is more manly and serious than ever , and is seldom far from me , as if his love for the old papa was growing with his growth . Our boys will often surprise us in this way , Jo , and we can only rejoice over them and leave them to become what Gott pleases . '
As the Professor spoke , his eyes rested proudly on the brothers , who came walking up the steps together , Ted 's arm over Rob 's shoulder as he listened attentively to some geological remarks XXXXX was making on a stone he held .
Don Nan Rob Robchen Ted hours sulk week will-o witchcraft