The book opened at the right place , as if the third story had been often read , and Bess smiled as she saw the name . ` Why , Dan , I should n't think you 'd care for this romantic German tale . There is fighting in it ; but it is very sentimental , if I remember rightly . ' ' I know it ; but I 've read so few stories , I like the simple ones best . Had nothing else to read sometimes ; I guess I know it all by heart , and never seem to be tired of those fighting fellows , and the fiends and angels and lovely ladies . You read `` Aslauga 's Knight '' , and see if you do n't like it . Edwald was rather too soft for my fancy ; but Froda was first-rate and the spirit with the golden hair always reminded me of you . ' As Dan spoke Mrs Jo settled herself where she could watch him in the glass , and Bess took a large chair facing him , saying , as she put up her hands to retie the ribbon that held the cluster of thick , soft curls at the back of her head : ' I hope Aslauga 's hair was n't as troublesome as mine , for it 's always tumbling down . I 'll be ready in a minute . ' ` Do n't tie it up ; please let it hang . I love to see it shine that way . It will rest your head , and be just right for the story , Goldilocks , ' pleaded Dan , using the childish name and looking more like his boyish self than he had done for many a day . Bess laughed , shook down her pretty hair , and began to read , glad to hide her face a little ; for compliments made her shy , no matter who paid them . Dan listened intently on ; and Mrs Jo , with eyes that went often from her needle to the glass , could see , without turning , how he enjoyed every word as if it had more meaning for him than for the other listeners . His face brightened wonderfully , and soon wore the look that came when anything brave or beautiful inspired and touched his better self . It was Fouque 's charming story of the knight Froda , and the fair daughter of Sigurd , who was a sort of spirit , appearing to her lover in hours of danger and trial , as well as triumph and joy , till she became his guide and guard , inspiring him with courage , nobleness , and truth , leading him to great deeds in the field , sacrifices for those he loved , and victories over himself by the gleaming of her golden hair , which shone on him in battle , dreams , and perils by day and night , till after death he finds the lovely spirit waiting to receive and to reward him . Of all the stories in the book this was the last one would have supposed Dan would like best , and even Mrs Jo was surprised at his perceiving the moral of the tale through the delicate imagery and romantic language by which it was illustrated . But as she looked and listened she remembered the streak of sentiment and refinement which lay concealed in Dan like the gold vein in a rock , making him quick to feel and to enjoy fine colour in a flower , grace in an animal , sweetness in women , heroism in men , and all the tender ties that bind heart to heart ; though he was slow to show it , having no words to express the tastes and instincts which he inherited from his mother . Suffering of soul and body had tamed his stronger passions , and the atmosphere of love and pity now surrounding him purified and warmed his heart till it began to hunger for the food neglected or denied so long . This was plainly written in his too expressive face , as , fancying it unseen , he let it tell the longing after beauty , peace , and happiness embodied for him in the innocent fair girl before him .
The conviction of this sad yet natural fact came to Mrs Jo with a pang , for she felt how utterly hopeless such a longing was ; since light and darkness were not farther apart than snow-white XXXXX and sin-stained Dan .
Aslauga Bess Edwald Froda Jo colour day fiends hours right