Everybody was in the happiest mood , especially ` little Dolly ' , who danced like a will-o ' - the-wisp with light-footed Mercury and Apollo as he promenaded with the Marquise on his arm , who seemed to have left her coquetry in the green room with her rouge . When all was over , Mrs Juno said to Jove , to whose arm she clung as they trudged home along the snowy paths : ` Fritz dear , Christmas is a good time for new resolutions , and I 've made one never to be impatient or fretful with my beloved husband again . I know I am , though you wo n't own it ; but Laurie 's fun had some truth in it , and I felt hit in a tender spot . Henceforth I am a model wife , else I do n't deserve the dearest , best man ever born ' ; and being in a dramatic mood , Mrs Juno tenderly embraced her excellent Jove in the moonlight , to the great amusement of sundry lingerers behind them . So all three plays might be considered successes , and that merry Christmas night a memorable one in the March family ; for Demi got an unspoken question answered , Josie 's fondest wish was granted , and , thanks to Professor Owlsdark 's jest , Mrs Jo made Professor Bhaer 's busy life quite a bed of roses by the keeping of her resolution . A few days later she had her reward for this burst of virtue in Dan 's letter , which set her fears at rest and made her very happy , though she was unable to tell him so , because he sent her no address . Chapter 15 . WAITING ` My wife , I have bad news for thee , ' said Professor Bhaer , coming in one day early in January . ` Please tell it at once . I ca n't bear to wait , Fritz , ' cried Mrs Jo , dropping her work and standing up as if to take the shot bravely . ` But we must wait and hope , heart 's - dearest . Come and let us bear it together . Emil 's ship is lost , and as yet no news of him . ' It was well Mr Bhaer had taken his wife into his strong arms , for she looked ready to drop , but bore up after a moment , and sitting by her good man , heard all that there was to tell . Tidings had been sent to the shipowners at Hamburg by some of the survivors , and telegraphed at once by Franz to his uncle . As one boat-load was safe , there was hope that others might also escape , though the gale had sent two to the bottom . A swift-sailing steamer had brought these scanty news , and happier ones might come at any hour ; but kind Franz had not added that the sailors reported the captain 's boat as undoubtedly wrecked by the falling mast , since the smoke hid its escape , and the gale soon drove all far asunder . But this sad rumour reached Plumfield in time ; and deep was the mourning for the happyhearted Commodore , never to come singing home again . Mrs Jo refused to believe it , stoutly insisting that Emil would outlive any storm and yet turn up safe and gay . It was well she clung to this hopeful view , for poor Mr Bhaer was much afflicted by the loss of his boy , because his sister 's sons had been his so long he scarcely knew a different love for his very own .
Now was a chance for Mrs XXXXX to keep her word ; and she did , speaking cheerily of Emil , even when hope waxed faint and her heart was heavy .
Emil Franz Jo Juno Laurie Marquise Owlsdark Plumfield day storm