I did n't mean to do any harm , but drifted along beautifully , and told Demi to mention things in his letters to Daisy , so Nan might know . Then I forgot Nan altogether , and saw , heard , felt , cared for no one but Dora , till the donkey -- bless his old heart ! -- pitched her into my arms and I found she loved me . Upon my soul , I do n't see why she should ! I 'm not half good enough . ' ` Every honest man feels that when an innocent girl puts her hand in his . Make yourself worthy of her , for she is n't an angel , but a woman with faults of her own for you to bear , and forgive , and you must help one another , ' said Mrs Jo , trying to realize that this sober youth was her scapegrace Tommy . ` What troubles me is that I did n't mean it when I began , and was going to use the dear girl as an instrument of torture for Nan . It was n't right , and I do n't deserve to be so happy . If all my scrapes ended as well as this , what a state of bliss I should be in ! ' and Tom beamed again at the rapturous prospect . ` My dear boy , it is not a scrape , but a very sweet experience suddenly dawning upon you , ' answered Mrs Jo , speaking very soberly ; for she saw he was in earnest . ` Enjoy it wisely and be worthy of it , for it is a serious thing to accept a girl 's love and trust , and let her look up to you for tenderness and truth in return . Do n't let little Dora look in vain , but be a man in all things for her sake , and make this affection a blessing to you both . ' ` I 'll try . Yes , I do love her , only I ca n't believe it just yet . Wish you knew her . Dear little soul , I long to see her already ! She cried when we parted last night and I hated to go . ' Tom 's hand went to his cheek as if he still felt the rosy little seal Dora had set upon his promise not to forget her , and for the first time in his happy-go-lucky life Tommy Bangs understood the difference between sentiment and sentimentality .
The feeling recalled XXXXX , for he had never known that tender thrill when thinking of her , and the old friendship seemed rather a prosaic affair beside this delightful mingling of romance , surprise , love , and fun . '
Bangs Daisy Demi Dora Jo Nan Tom Tommy night right