Mrs. Jo turned to thank the faithful nurse , but Dan was waving off the boys , who had gathered in the hall to meet her , and was saying , in a low voice , `` Keep back ; she do n't want to be bothered with us now . '' `` No , do n't keep back . I want you all . Come in and see me , my boys . I 've neglected you all day , '' and Mrs. Jo held out her hands to them as they gathered round and escorted her into her own room , saying little , but expressing much by affectionate looks and clumsy little efforts to show their sorrow and sympathy . `` I am so tired , I will lie here and cuddle Teddy , and you shall bring me in some tea , '' she said , trying to speak cheerfully for their sakes . A general stampede into the dining-room followed , and the supper-table would have been ravaged if Mr. Bhaer had not interfered . It was agreed that one squad should carry in the mother 's tea , and another bring it out . The four nearest and dearest claimed the first honor , so Franz bore the teapot , Emil the bread , Rob the milk , and Teddy insisted on carrying the sugar basin , which was lighter by several lumps when it arrived than when it started . Some women might have found it annoying at such a time to have boys creaking in and out , upsetting cups and rattling spoons in violent efforts to be quiet and helpful ; but it suited Mrs. Jo , because just then her heart was very tender ; and remembering that many of her boys were fatherless or motherless , she yearned over them , and found comfort in their blundering affection . It was the sort of food that did her more good than the very thick bread-and-butter that they gave her , and the rough Commodore 's broken whisper , `` Bear up , Aunty , it 's a hard blow ; but we 'll weather it somehow ; '' cheered her more than the sloppy cup he brought her , full of tea as bitter as if some salt tear of his own had dropped into it on the way . When supper was over , a second deputation removed the tray ; and Dan said , holding out his arms for sleepy little Teddy , `` Let me put him to bed , you 're so tired , Mother . '' `` Will you go with him , lovey ? '' asked Mrs. Jo of her small lord and master , who lay on her arm among the sofa-pillows . `` Torse I will ; '' and he was proudly carried off by his faithful bearer . `` I wish I could do something , '' said Nat , with a sigh , as Franz leaned over the sofa , and softly stroked Aunt Jo 's hot forehead . `` You can , dear . Go and get your violin , and play me the sweet little airs Uncle Teddy sent you last . Music will comfort me better than any thing else to-night . '' Nat flew for his fiddle , and , sitting just outside her door , played as he had never done before , for now his heart was in it , and seemed to magnetize his fingers .
The other lads sat quietly upon the steps , keeping watch that no new-comer should disturb the house ; XXXXX 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 .
Bhaer Emil Franz Jo Mother blundering day deputation spoons teapot