He wo n't bear sternness nor much restraint , but a soft word and infinite patience will lead him as it used to lead me . '' `` As if you ever like this little rascal ! '' cried Mr. Bhaer , laughing , yet half angry at the idea . `` I was in spirit , though I showed it in a different way . I seem to know by instinct how he feels , to understand what will win and touch him , and to sympathize with his temptations and faults . I am glad I do , for it will help me to help him ; and if I can make a good man of this wild boy , it will be the best work of my life . '' `` God bless the work , and help the worker ! '' Mr. Bhaer spoke now as earnestly as she had done , and both came in together to find Dan 's head down upon his arm , as if he was quite overcome by sleep . But he looked up quickly , and tried to rise as Mr. Bhaer said pleasantly , `` So you like Plumfield better than Page 's farm . Well , let us see if we can get on more comfortably this time than we did before . '' `` Thanky , sir , '' said Dan , trying not to be gruff , and finding it easier than he expected . `` Now , the foot ! Ach ! this is not well . We must have Dr. Firth to-morrow . Warm water , Jo , and old linen . '' Mr. Bhaer bathed and bound up the wounded foot , while Mrs. Jo prepared the only empty bed in the house . It was in the little guest-chamber leading from the parlor , and often used when the lads were poorly , for it saved Mrs. Jo from running up and down , and the invalids could see what was going on . When it was ready , Mr. Bhaer took the boy in his arms , and carried him in , helped him undress , laid him on the little white bed , and left him with another hand-shake , and a fatherly `` Good-night , my son . '' Dan dropped asleep at once , and slept heavily for several hours ; then his foot began to throb and ache , and he awoke to toss about uneasily , trying not to groan lest any one should hear him , for he was a brave lad , and did bear pain like `` a little Spartan , '' as Mr. Bhaer called him .
Mrs. XXXXX had a way of flitting about the house at night , to shut the windows if the wind grew chilly , to draw mosquito curtains over Teddy , or look after Tommy , who occasionally walked in his sleep .
Ach Bhaer Firth Jo Plumfield Thanky hours left sternness undress