`` So far away ! '' and Jo left her skirts to their fate , as if it did n't matter now what became of her clothes or herself . Mr. Bhaer could read several languages , but he had not learned to read women yet . He flattered himself that he knew Jo pretty well , and was , therefore , much amazed by the contradictions of voice , face , and manner , which she showed him in rapid succession that day , for she was in half a dozen different moods in the course of half an hour . When she met him she looked surprised , though it was impossible to help suspecting that she had come for that express purpose . When he offered her his arm , she took it with a look that filled him with delight , but when he asked if she missed him , she gave such a chilly , formal reply that despair fell upon him . On learning his good fortune she almost clapped her hands . Was the joy all for the boys ? Then on hearing his destination , she said , `` So far away ! '' in a tone of despair that lifted him on to a pinnacle of hope , but the next minute she tumbled him down again by observing , like one entirely absorbed in the matter ... `` Here 's the place for my errands . Will you come in ? It wo n't take long . '' Jo rather prided herself upon her shopping capabilities , and particularly wished to impress her escort with the neatness and dispatch with which she would accomplish the business . But owing to the flutter she was in , everything went amiss . She upset the tray of needles , forgot the silesia was to be ` twilled ' till it was cut off , gave the wrong change , and covered herself with confusion by asking for lavender ribbon at the calico counter . Mr. Bhaer stood by , watching her blush and blunder , and as he watched , his own bewilderment seemed to subside , for he was beginning to see that on some occasions , women , like dreams , go by contraries . When they came out , he put the parcel under his arm with a more cheerful aspect , and splashed through the puddles as if he rather enjoyed it on the whole . `` Should we no do a little what you call shopping for the babies , and haf a farewell feast tonight if I go for my last call at your so pleasant home ? '' he asked , stopping before a window full of fruit and flowers . `` What will we buy ? ''
asked XXXXX , ignoring the latter part of his speech , and sniffing the mingled odors with an affectation of delight as they went in .
Bhaer Jo Mr. contraries day errands haf hour languages left