The other lads sat quietly upon the steps , keeping watch that no new-comer should disturb the house ; Franz lingered at his post ; and so , soothed , served , and guarded by her boys , poor Mrs. Jo slept at last , and forgot her sorrow for an hour . Two quiet days , and on the third Mr. Bhaer came in just after school , with a note in his hand , looking both moved and pleased . `` I want to read you something , boys , '' he said ; and as they stood round him he read this : `` DEAR BROTHER FRITZ , I hear that you do not mean to bring your flock today , thinking that I may not like it . Please do . The sight of his friends will help Demi through the hard hour , and I want the boys to hear what father says of my John . It will do them good , I know . If they would sing one of the sweet old hymns you have taught them so well , I should like it better than any other music , and feel that it was beautifully suited to the occasion . Please ask them , with my love . `` MEG . '' `` Will you go ? '' and Mr. Bhaer looked at the lads , who were greatly touched by Mrs. Brooke 's kind words and wishes . `` Yes , '' they answered , like one boy ; and an hour later they went away with Franz to bear their part in John Brooke 's simple funeral . The little house looked as quiet , sunny , and home-like as when Meg entered it as a bride , ten years ago , only then it was early summer , and rose blossomed everywhere ; now it was early autumn , and dead leaves rustled softly down , leaving the branches bare . The bride was a widow now ; but the same beautiful serenity shone in her face , and the sweet resignation of a truly pious soul made her presence a consolation to those who came to comfort her . `` O Meg ! how can you bear it so ? '' whispered Jo , as she met them at the door with a smile of welcome , and no change in her gentle manner , except more gentleness . `` Dear Jo , the love that has blest me for ten happy years supports me still . It could not die , and John is more my own than ever , '' whispered Meg ; and in her eyes the tender trust was so beautiful and bright , that Jo believed her , and thanked God for the immortality of love like hers . They were all there father and mother , Uncle Teddy , and Aunt Amy , old Mr. Laurence , white-haired and feeble now , Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer , with their flock , and many friends , come to do honor to the dead .
One would have said that modest John XXXXX , in his busy , quiet , humble life , had had little time to make friends ; but now they seemed to start up everywhere , old and young , rich and poor , high and low ; for all unconsciously his influence had made itself widely felt , his virtues were remembered , and his hidden charities rose up to bless him .
Amy Bhaer Brooke Demi FRITZ John Meg Teddy days hour