That was the only good-bye he gave the boys , for they were all talking the matter over in the barn when he came down , and he told Nat not to call them . The wagon stood at the door , and Mrs. Bhaer came out to speak to Dan , looking so sad that his heart smote him , and he said in a low tone , `` May I say good-bye to Teddy ? '' `` Yes , dear ; go in and kiss him , he will miss his Danny very much . '' No one saw the look in Dan 's eyes as he stooped over the crib , and saw the little face light up at first sight of him , but he heard Mrs. Bhaer say pleadingly , `` Ca n't we give the poor lad one more trial , Fritz ? '' and Mr. Bhaer answer in his steady way , `` My dear , it is not best , so let him go where he can do no harm to others , while they do good to him , and by and by he shall come back , I promise you . '' `` He 's the only boy we ever failed with , and I am so grieved , for I thought there was the making of a fine man in him , spite of his faults . '' Dan heard Mrs. Bhaer sigh , and he wanted to ask for one more trial himself , but his pride would not let him , and he came out with the hard look on his face , shook hands without a word , and drove away with Mr. Bhaer , leaving Nat and Mrs. Jo to look after him with tears in their eyes . A few days afterwards they received a letter from Mr. Page , saying that Dan was doing well , whereat they all rejoiced . But three weeks later came another letter , saying that Dan had run away , and nothing had been heard of him , whereat they all looked sober , and Mr. Bhaer said , `` Perhaps I ought to have given him another chance . '' Mrs. Bhaer , however , nodded wisely and answered , `` Do n't be troubled , Fritz ; the boy will come back to us , I 'm sure of it . '' But time went on and no Dan came . CHAPTER VII . NAUGHTY NAN `` Fritz , I 've got a new idea , '' cried Mrs. Bhaer , as she met her husband one day after school . `` Well , my dear , what is it ? '' and he waited willingly to hear the new plan , for some of Mrs. Jo 's ideas were so droll , it was impossible to help laughing at them , though usually they were quite sensible , and he was glad to carry them out . `` Daisy needs a companion , and the boys would be all the better for another girl among them ; you know we believe in bringing up little men and women together , and it is high time we acted up to our belief . They pet and tyrannize over Daisy by turns , and she is getting spoilt . Then they must learn gentle ways , and improve their manners , and having girls about will do it better than any thing else . '' `` You are right , as usual . Now , who shall we have ? ''
asked Mr. XXXXX , seeing by the look in her eye that Mrs. Jo had some one all ready to propose .
Bhaer Daisy Dan Fritz Jo Nat Page day right whereat