The least noise waked her , and as she often heard imaginary robbers , cats , and conflagrations , the doors stood open all about , so her quick ear caught the sound of Dan 's little moans , and she was up in a minute . He was just giving his hot pillow a despairing thump when a light came glimmering through the hall , and Mrs. Jo crept in , looking like a droll ghost , with her hair in a great knob on the top of her head , and a long gray dressing-gown trailing behind her . `` Are you in pain , Dan ? '' `` It 's pretty bad ; but I did n't mean to wake you . '' `` I 'm a sort of owl , always flying about at night . Yes , your foot is like fire ; the bandages must be wet again , '' and away flapped the maternal owl for more cooling stuff , and a great mug of ice water . `` Oh , that 's so nice ! '' sighed Dan , the wet bandages went on again , and a long draught of water cooled his thirsty throat . `` There , now , sleep your best , and do n't be frightened if you see me again , for I 'll slip down by and by , and give you another sprinkle . '' As she spoke , Mrs. Jo stooped to turn the pillow and smooth the bed-clothes , when , to her great surprise , Dan put his arm around her neck , drew her face down to his , and kissed her , with a broken `` Thank you , ma'am , '' which said more than the most eloquent speech could have done ; for the hasty kiss , the muttered words , meant , `` I 'm sorry , I will try . '' She understood it , accepted the unspoken confession , and did not spoil it by any token of surprise . She only remembered that he had no mother , kissed the brown cheek half hidden on the pillow , as if ashamed of the little touch of tenderness , and left him , saying , what he long remembered , `` You are my boy now , and if you choose you can make me proud and glad to say so . '' Once again , just at dawn , she stole down to find him so fast asleep that he did not wake , and showed no sign of consciousness as she wet his foot , except that the lines of pain smoothed themselves away , and left his face quite peaceful . The day was Sunday , and the house so still that he never waked till near noon , and , looking round him , saw an eager little face peering in at the door . He held out his arms , and Teddy tore across the room to cast himself bodily upon the bed , shouting , `` My Danny 's tum ! '' as he hugged and wriggled with delight . Mrs. Bhaer appeared next , bringing breakfast , and never seeming to see how shamefaced Dan looked at the memory of the little scene last night . Teddy insisted on giving him his `` betfus , '' and fed him like a baby , which , as he was not very hungry , Dan enjoyed very much . Then came the doctor , and the poor Spartan had a bad time of it , for some of the little bones in his foot were injured , and putting them to rights was such a painful job , that Dan 's lips were white , and great drops stood on his forehead , though he never cried out , and only held Mrs. Jo 's hand so tight that it was red long afterwards . `` You must keep this boy quiet , for a week at least , and not let him put his foot to the ground .
By that time , I shall know whether he may hop a little with a crutch , or stick to his bed for a while longer , '' said Dr. Firth , putting up the shining instruments that XXXXX did not like to see .
Dan Danny Teddy bed-clothes conflagrations dressing-gown left minute night week