Rich people 's children often need care and comfort , as well as poor . I 've seen unfortunate little creatures left to servants , or backward ones pushed forward , when it 's real cruelty . Some are naughty through mismanagment or neglect , and some lose their mothers . Besides , the best have to get through the hobbledehoy age , and that 's the very time they need most patience and kindness . People laugh at them , and hustle them about , try to keep them out of sight , and expect them to turn all at once from pretty children into fine young men . They do n't complain much -- plucky little souls -- but they feel it . I 've been through something of it , and I know all about it . I 've a special interest in such young bears , and like to show them that I see the warm , honest , well-meaning boys ' hearts , in spite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsy-turvy heads . I 've had experience , too , for have n't I brought up one boy to be a pride and honor to his family ? '' `` I 'll testify that you tried to do it , '' said Laurie with a grateful look . `` And I 've succeeded beyond my hopes , for here you are , a steady , sensible businessman , doing heaps of good with your money , and laying up the blessings of the poor , instead of dollars . But you are not merely a businessman , you love good and beautiful things , enjoy them yourself , and let others go halves , as you always did in the old times . I am proud of you , Teddy , for you get better every year , and everyone feels it , though you wo n't let them say so . Yes , and when I have my flock , I 'll just point to you , and say ` There 's your model , my lads ' . '' Poor Laurie did n't know where to look , for , man though he was , something of the old bashfulness came over him as this burst of praise made all faces turn approvingly upon him . `` I say , Jo , that 's rather too much , '' he began , just in his old boyish way . `` You have all done more for me than I can ever thank you for , except by doing my best not to disappoint you . You have rather cast me off lately , Jo , but I 've had the best of help , nevertheless . So , if I 've got on at all , you may thank these two for it , '' and he laid one hand gently on his grandfather 's head , and the other on Amy 's golden one , for the three were never far apart . `` I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world ! ''
burst out XXXXX , who was in an unusually up-lifted frame of mind just then .
Amy Jo Laurie bashfulness help left mismanagment money people year