I do n't know much yet , but I 'm ready to learn ; and that 's something . ' ` It 's everything . Oh , my dear , tell me about it ! I know something lies heavy on your heart ; let me help you bear it , and so make the burden lighter . ' ' I know it would ; I want to tell ; but some things even you could n't forgive ; and if you let go of me , I 'm afraid I ca n't keep afloat . ' ` Mothers can forgive anything ! Tell me all , and be sure that I will never let you go , though the whole world should turn from you . ' Mrs Jo took one of the big wasted hands in both of hers and held it fast , waiting silently till that sustaining touch warmed poor Dan 's heart , and gave him courage to speak . Sitting in his old attitude , with his head in his hands , he slowly told it all , never once looking up till the last words left his lips . ` Now you know ; can you forgive a murderer , and keep a jail-bird in your house ? ' Her only answer was to put her arms about him , and lay the shorn head on her breast , with eyes so full of tears they could but dimly see the hope and fear that made his own so tragical . That was better than any words ; and poor Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude , feeling the blessedness of mother love -- that divine gift which comforts , purifies , and strengthens all who seek it . Two or three great , bitter drops were hidden in the little woollen shawl where Dan 's cheek rested , and no one ever knew how soft and comfortable it felt to him after the hard pillows he had known so long . Suffering of both mind and body had broken will and pride , and the lifted burden brought such a sense of relief that he paused a moment to enjoy it in dumb delight . ` My poor boy , how you have suffered all this year , when we thought you free as air ! Why did n't you tell us , Dan , and let us help you ? Did you doubt your friends ? ' asked Mrs Jo , forgetting all other emotions in sympathy , as she lifted up the hidden face , and looked reproachfully into the great hollow eyes that met her own frankly now . ' I was ashamed . I tried to bear it alone rather than shock and disappoint you , as I know I have , though you try not to show it .
Do n't mind ; I must get used to it ' ; and XXXXX 's eyes dropped again as if they could not bear to see the trouble and dismay his confession painted on his best friend 's face . '
Dan Jo blessedness burden jail-bird left lips mind one shock