Somewhat daunted , Jo righted herself , spread her handkerchief over the devoted ribbons , and putting temptation behind her , hurried on , with increasing dampness about the ankles , and much clashing of umbrellas overhead . The fact that a somewhat dilapidated blue one remained stationary above the unprotected bonnet attracted her attention , and looking up , she saw Mr. Bhaer looking down . `` I feel to know the strong-minded lady who goes so bravely under many horse noses , and so fast through much mud . What do you down here , my friend ? '' `` I 'm shopping . '' Mr. Bhaer smiled , as he glanced from the pickle factory on one side to the wholesale hide and leather concern on the other , but he only said politely , `` You haf no umbrella . May I go also , and take for you the bundles ? '' `` Yes , thank you . '' Jo 's cheeks were as red as her ribbon , and she wondered what he thought of her , but she did n't care , for in a minute she found herself walking away arm in arm with her Professor , feeling as if the sun had suddenly burst out with uncommon brilliancy , that the world was all right again , and that one thoroughly happy woman was paddling through the wet that day . `` We thought you had gone , '' said Jo hastily , for she knew he was looking at her . Her bonnet was n't big enough to hide her face , and she feared he might think the joy it betrayed unmaidenly . `` Did you believe that I should go with no farewell to those who haf been so heavenly kind to me ? '' he asked so reproachfully that she felt as if she had insulted him by the suggestion , and answered heartily ... `` No , I did n't . I knew you were busy about your own affairs , but we rather missed you , Father and Mother especially . '' `` And you ? '' `` I 'm always glad to see you , sir . '' In her anxiety to keep her voice quite calm , Jo made it rather cool , and the frosty little monosyllable at the end seemed to chill the Professor , for his smile vanished , as he said gravely ... `` I thank you , and come one more time before I go . '' `` You are going , then ? '' `` I haf no longer any business here , it is done . '' `` Successfully , I hope ? ''
said XXXXX , for the bitterness of disappointment was in that short reply of his .
Bhaer Father Jo Mother Professor brilliancy clashing day minute right