The conviction of this sad yet natural fact came to Mrs Jo with a pang , for she felt how utterly hopeless such a longing was ; since light and darkness were not farther apart than snow-white Bess and sin-stained Dan . No dream of such a thing disturbed the young girl , as her entire unconsciousness plainly showed . But how long would it be before the eloquent eyes betrayed the truth ? And then what disappointment for Dan , what dismay for Bess , who was as cool and high and pure as her own marbles , and shunned all thought of love with maidenly reserve . ` How hard everything is made for my poor boy ! How can I spoil his little dream , and take away the spirit of good he is beginning to love and long for ? When my own dear lads are safely settled I 'll never try another , for these things are heart-breaking , and I ca n't manage any more , ' thought Mrs Jo , as she put the lining into Teddy 's coat-sleeve upside down , so perplexed and grieved was she at this new catastrophe . The story was soon done , and as Bess shook back her hair , Dan asked as eagerly as a boy : ` Do n't you like it ? ' ` Yes , it 's very pretty , and I see the meaning of it ; but Undine was always my favourite . ' ` Of course , that 's like you -- lilies and pearls and souls and pure water . Sintram used to be mine ; but I took a fancy to this when I was -- ahem -- rather down on my luck one time , and it did me good , it was so cheerful and sort of spiritual in its meaning , you know . ' Bess opened her blue eyes in wonder at this fancy of Dan 's for anything ` spiritual ' ; but she only nodded , saying : ` Some of the little songs are sweet and might be set to music . ' Dan laughed ; ' I used to sing the last one to a tune of my own sometimes at sunset : ' `` Listening to celestial lays , Bending thy unclouded gaze On the pure and living light , Thou art blest , Aslauga 's Knight ! '' ` And I was , ' he added , under his breath , as he glanced towards the sunshine dancing on the wall . ` This one suits you better now ' ; and glad to please him by her interest , Bess read in her soft voice : ' `` Healfast , healfast , ye hero wounds ; O knight , be quickly strong ! Beloved strife For fame and life , Oh , tarry not too long ! '' ' ` I 'm no hero , never can be , and `` fame and life '' ca n't do much for me . Never mind , read me that paper , please . This knock on the head has made a regular fool of me . ' Dan 's voice was gentle ; but the light was gone out of his face now , and he moved restlessly as if the silken pillows were full of thorns .
Seeing that his mood had changed , XXXXX quietly put down the book , took up the paper , and glanced along the columns for something to suit him .
Aslauga Bess Dan Jo Sintram Undine favourite healfast pang unconsciousness