`` Where is my little man ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer . `` Dan took him out , to keep him quiet . He 's all right now , '' said Franz , pointing to the window , through which they could see Dan drawing baby in his little wagon , with the dogs frolicking about him . `` I wo n't see him , it would only upset him again ; but tell Dan I leave Teddy in his care . You older boys I trust to manage yourselves for a day . Franz will direct you , and Silas is here to over see matters . So good-by till to-night . '' `` Just tell me a word about Uncle John , '' said Emil , detaining Mr. Bhaer , as he was about hurrying away again . `` He was only ill a few hours , and died as he has lived , so cheerfully , so peacefully , that it seems a sin to mar the beauty of it with any violent or selfish grief . We were in time to say good-by : and Daisy and Demi were in his arms as he fell asleep on Aunt Meg 's breast . No more now , I can not bear it , '' and Mr. Bhaer went hastily away quite bowed with grief , for in John Brooke he had lost both friend and brother , and there was no one left to take his place . All that day the house was very still ; the small boys played quietly in the nursery ; the others , feeling as if Sunday had come in the middle of the week , spent it in walking , sitting in the willow , or among their pets , all talking much of `` Uncle John , '' and feeling that something gentle , just , and strong , had gone out of their little world , leaving a sense of loss that deepened every hour . At dusk , Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer came home alone , for Demi and Daisy were their mother 's best comfort now , and could not leave her . Poor Mrs. Jo seemed quite spent , and evidently needed the same sort of comfort , for her first words , as she came up the stairs , were , `` Where is my baby ? '' `` Here I is , '' answered a little voice , as Dan put Teddy into her arms , adding , as she hugged him close , `` My Danny tooked tare of me all day , and I was dood . '' Mrs. Jo turned to thank the faithful nurse , but Dan was waving off the boys , who had gathered in the hall to meet her , and was saying , in a low voice , `` Keep back ; she do n't want to be bothered with us now . '' `` No , do n't keep back . I want you all . Come in and see me , my boys .
I 've neglected you all day , '' and Mrs. XXXXX held out her hands to them as they gathered round and escorted her into her own room , saying little , but expressing much by affectionate looks and clumsy little efforts to show their sorrow and sympathy .
Bhaer Brooke Demi Franz Jo Meg day first hour tare