And no one seemed to have the slightest suspicion that Professor Bhaer , while talking philosophy with the father , was giving the daughter lessons in love . Jo could n't even lose her heart in a decorous manner , but sternly tried to quench her feelings , and failing to do so , led a somewhat agitated life . She was mortally afraid of being laughed at for surrendering , after her many and vehement declarations of independence . Laurie was her especial dread , but thanks to the new manager , he behaved with praiseworthy propriety , never called Mr. Bhaer ' a capital old fellow ' in public , never alluded , in the remotest manner , to Jo 's improved appearance , or expressed the least surprise at seeing the Professor 's hat on the Marches ' table nearly every evening . But he exulted in private and longed for the time to come when he could give Jo a piece of plate , with a bear and a ragged staff on it as an appropriate coat of arms . For a fortnight , the Professor came and went with lover-like regularity . Then he stayed away for three whole days , and made no sign , a proceeding which caused everybody to look sober , and Jo to become pensive , at first , and then -- alas for romance -- very cross . `` Disgusted , I dare say , and gone home as suddenly as he came . It 's nothing to me , of course , but I should think he would have come and bid us goodbye like a gentleman , '' she said to herself , with a despairing look at the gate , as she put on her things for the customary walk one dull afternoon . `` You 'd better take the little umbrella , dear . It looks like rain , '' said her mother , observing that she had on her new bonnet , but not alluding to the fact . `` Yes , Marmee , do you want anything in town ? I 've got to run in and get some paper , '' returned Jo , pulling out the bow under her chin before the glass as an excuse for not looking at her mother . `` Yes , I want some twilled silesia , a paper of number nine needles , and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon . Have you got your thick boots on , and something warm under your cloak ? '' `` I believe so , '' answered Jo absently . `` If you happen to meet Mr. Bhaer , bring him home to tea . I quite long to see the dear man , '' added Mrs. March . Jo heard that , but made no answer , except to kiss her mother , and walk rapidly away , thinking with a glow of gratitude , in spite of her heartache , `` How good she is to me ! What do girls do who have n't any mothers to help them through their troubles ? ''
The dry-goods stores were not down among the counting-houses , banks , and wholesale warerooms , where gentlemen most do congregate , but XXXXX found herself in that part of the city before she did a single errand , loitering along as if waiting for someone , examining engineering instruments in one window and samples of wool in another , with most unfeminine interest , tumbling over barrels , being half-smothered by descending bales , and hustled unceremoniously by busy men who looked as if they wondered ` how the deuce she got there ' .
Bhaer Jo Laurie Professor afternoon days evening first fortnight heartache