`` And , thank Heaven ! there will be no empty ones to-night , '' added Mrs. Bhaer , watching , with full eyes , Robby going up in his father 's arms , and Nan escorted by Daisy and Demi , who considered her the most interesting heroine of their collection . `` Poor Aunt Jo is so tired she ought to be carried up herself , '' said gentle Franz , putting his arm round her as she paused at the stair-foot , looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk . `` Let 's make an arm-chair , '' proposed Tommy . `` No , thank you , my lads ; but somebody may lend me a shoulder to lean on , '' answered Mrs. Jo . `` Me ! me ! '' and half-a-dozen jostled one another , all eager to be chosen , for there was something in the pale motherly face that touched the warm hearts under the round jackets . Seeing that they considered it an honor , Mrs. Jo gave it to the one who had earned it , and nobody grumbled when she put her arm on Dan 's broad shoulder , saying , with a look that made him color up with pride and pleasure , `` He found the children ; so I think he must help me up . '' Dan felt richly rewarded for his evening 's work , not only that he was chosen from all the rest to go proudly up bearing the lamp , but because Mrs. Jo said heartily , `` Good-night , my boy ! God bless you ! '' as he left her at her door . `` I wish I was your boy , '' said Dan , who felt as if danger and trouble had somehow brought him nearer than ever to her . `` You shall be my oldest son , '' and she sealed her promise with a kiss that made Dan hers entirely . Little Rob was all right next day , but Nan had a headache , and lay on Mother Bhaer 's sofa with cold-cream upon her scratched face . Her remorse was quite gone , and she evidently thought being lost rather a fine amusement . Mrs. Jo was not pleased with this state of things , and had no desire to have her children led from the paths of virtue , or her pupils lying round loose in huckleberry fields . So she talked soberly to Nan , and tried to impress upon her mind the difference between liberty and license , telling several tales to enforce her lecture . She had not decided how to punish Nan , but one of these stories suggested a way , and as Mrs. Jo liked odd penalties , she tried it . `` All children run away , '' pleaded Nan , as if it was as natural and necessary a thing as measles or hooping cough .
`` Not all , and some who do run away do n't get found again , '' answered Mrs. XXXXX .
Bhaer Dan Franz Jo Nan Rob Robby evening stair-foot to-night