She stood a minute looking at the party vanishing above , and as Demi 's short plaid legs toiled up the last stair , a sudden sense of loneliness came over her so strongly that she looked about her with dim eyes , as if to find something to lean upon , for even Teddy had deserted her . If she had known what birthday gift was coming every minute nearer and nearer , she would not have said to herself , `` I 'll weep a little weep when I go to bed . It wo n't do to be dismal now . '' Then she drew her hand over her eyes , for one of her boyish habits was never to know where her handkerchief was , and had just managed to call up a smile when there came a knock at the porch door . She opened with hospitable haste , and started as if another ghost had come to surprise her , for there stood a tall bearded gentleman , beaming on her from the darkness like a midnight sun . `` Oh , Mr. Bhaer , I am so glad to see you ! '' cried Jo , with a clutch , as if she feared the night would swallow him up before she could get him in . `` And I to see Miss Marsch , but no , you haf a party , '' and the Professor paused as the sound of voices and the tap of dancing feet came down to them . `` No , we have n't , only the family . My sister and friends have just come home , and we are all very happy . Come in , and make one of us . '' Though a very social man , I think Mr. Bhaer would have gone decorously away , and come again another day , but how could he , when Jo shut the door behind him , and bereft him of his hat ? Perhaps her face had something to do with it , for she forgot to hide her joy at seeing him , and showed it with a frankness that proved irresistible to the solitary man , whose welcome far exceeded his boldest hopes . `` If I shall not be Monsieur de Trop , I will so gladly see them all . You haf been ill , my friend ? '' He put the question abruptly , for , as Jo hung up his coat , the light fell on her face , and he saw a change in it . `` Not ill , but tired and sorrowful . We have had trouble since I saw you last . '' `` Ah , yes , I know . My heart was sore for you when I heard that , '' and he shook hands again , with such a sympathetic face that Jo felt as if no comfort could equal the look of the kind eyes , the grasp of the big , warm hand .
`` Father , Mother , this is my friend , Professor XXXXX , '' she said , with a face and tone of such irrepressible pride and pleasure that she might as well have blown a trumpet and opened the door with a flourish .
Bhaer Demi Jo Marsch Professor Trop day minute night sun