The lad opened his mouth to say , ` Not a bit , ' but checked that answer as if something in Dan 's face made him change his mind . ` Well , if it was my duty in war or self-defence , I suppose I should n't ; but if I 'd pitched into him in a rage , I guess I should be very sorry . Should n't wonder if he sort of haunted me , and remorse gnawed me as it did Aram and those fellows . You do n't mind , do you ? It was a fair fight , was n't it ? ' ` Yes , I was in the right ; but I wish I 'd been out of it . Women do n't see it that way , and look horrified at such things . Makes it hard ; but it do n't matter . ' ` Do n't tell 'em ; then they ca n't worry , ' said Ted , with the nod of one versed in the management of the sex . ` Do n't intend to . Mind you keep your notions to yourself , for some of 'em are wide of the mark . Now you may read if you like ' ; and there the talk ended ; but Ted took great comfort in it , and looked as wise as an owl afterwards . A few quiet weeks followed , during which Dan chafed at the delay ; and when at length word came that his credentials were ready , he was eager to be off , to forget a vain love in hard work , and live for others , since he might not for himself . So one wild March morning our Sintram rode away , with horse and hound , to face again the enemies who would have conquered him , but for Heaven 's help and human pity . ` Ah , me ! it does seem as if life was made of partings , and they get harder as we go on , ' sighed Mrs Jo , a week later , as she sat in the long parlour at Parnassus one evening , whither the family had gone to welcome the travellers back . ` And meetings too , dear ; for here we are , and Nat is on his way at last . Look for the silver lining , as Marmee used to say , and be comforted , ' answered Mrs Amy , glad to be at home and find no wolves prowling near her sheepfold . ` I 've been so worried lately , I ca n't help croaking . I wonder what Dan thought at not seeing you again ?
It was wise ; but he would have enjoyed another look at home faces before he went into the wilderness , ' said Mrs XXXXX regretfully .
Amy Aram Dan Jo Nat morning right self-defence sheepfold weeks