Keep that always and everywhere , so that even if wrecked by misfortune , that sign shall still be found and recognized . Yours is a rough life , and your mates not all we could wish , but you can be a gentleman in the true sense of the word ; and no matter what happens to your body , keep your soul clean , your heart true to those who love you , and do your duty to the end . ' As she spoke Emil had risen and stood listening with his cap off and a grave , bright look as if taking orders from a superior officer ; when she ended , he answered briefly , but heartily : ` Please God , I will ! ' ` That 's all ; I have little fear for you , but one never knows when or how the weak moment may come , and sometimes a chance word helps us , as so many my dear mother spoke come back to me now for my own comfort and the guidance of my boys , ' said Mrs Jo , rising ; for the words had been said and no more were needed . ` I 've stored 'em up and know where to find 'em when wanted . Often and often in my watch I 've seen old Plum , and heard you and Uncle talking so plainly , I 'd have sworn I was here . It is a rough life , Aunty , but a wholesome one if a fellow loves it as I do , and has an anchor to windward as I have . Do n't worry about me , and I 'll come home next year with a chest of tea that will cheer your heart and give you ideas enough for a dozen novels . Going below ? All right , steady in the gangway ! I 'll be along by the time you 've got out the cake-box . Last chance for a good old lunch ashore . ' Mrs Jo descended laughing , and Emil finished his ship whistling cheerfully , neither dreaming when and where this little chat on the house-top would return to the memory of one of them . Dan was harder to catch , and not until evening did a quiet moment come in that busy family ; when , while the rest were roaming about , Mrs Jo sat down to read in the study , and presently Dan looked in at the window . ` Come and rest after your long tramp ; you must be tired , ' she called , with an inviting nod towards the big sofa where so many boys had reposed -- as much as that active animal ever does . ` Afraid I shall disturb you ' ; but Dan looked as if he wanted to stay his restless feet somewhere . ` Not a bit ; I 'm always ready to talk , should n't be a woman if I were not , ' laughed Mrs Jo , as Dan swung himself in and sat down with an air of contentment very pleasant to see . ` Last day is over , yet somehow I do n't seem to hanker to be off . Generally , I 'm rather anxious to cut loose after a short stop . Odd , ai n't it ? '
asked XXXXX , gravely picking grass and leaves out of his hair and beard ; for he had been lying on the grass , thinking many thoughts in the quiet summer night .
Aunty Dan Emil Jo cake-box evening home house-top right sense