I do n't know whether the study of Shakespeare helped her to read character , or the natural instinct of a woman for what was honest , brave , and strong , but while endowing her imaginary heroes with every perfection under the sun , Jo was discovering a live hero , who interested her in spite of many human imperfections . Mr. Bhaer , in one of their conversations , had advised her to study simple , true , and lovely characters , wherever she found them , as good training for a writer . Jo took him at his word , for she coolly turned round and studied him -- a proceeding which would have much surprised him , had he known it , for the worthy Professor was very humble in his own conceit . Why everybody liked him was what puzzled Jo , at first . He was neither rich nor great , young nor handsome , in no respect what is called fascinating , imposing , or brilliant , and yet he was as attractive as a genial fire , and people seemed to gather about him as naturally as about a warm hearth . He was poor , yet always appeared to be giving something away ; a stranger , yet everyone was his friend ; no longer young , but as happy-hearted as a boy ; plain and peculiar , yet his face looked beautiful to many , and his oddities were freely forgiven for his sake . Jo often watched him , trying to discover the charm , and at last decided that it was benevolence which worked the miracle . If he had any sorrow , ` it sat with its head under its wing ' , and he turned only his sunny side to the world . There were lines upon his forehead , but Time seemed to have touched him gently , remembering how kind he was to others . The pleasant curves about his mouth were the memorials of many friendly words and cheery laughs , his eyes were never cold or hard , and his big hand had a warm , strong grasp that was more expressive than words . His very clothes seemed to partake of the hospitable nature of the wearer . They looked as if they were at ease , and liked to make him comfortable . His capacious waistcoat was suggestive of a large heart underneath . His rusty coat had a social air , and the baggy pockets plainly proved that little hands often went in empty and came out full . His very boots were benevolent , and his collars never stiff and raspy like other people 's . `` That 's it ! '' said Jo to herself , when she at length discovered that genuine good will toward one 's fellow men could beautify and dignify even a stout German teacher , who shoveled in his dinner , darned his own socks , and was burdened with the name of Bhaer . Jo valued goodness highly , but she also possessed a most feminine respect for intellect , and a little discovery which she made about the Professor added much to her regard for him . He never spoke of himself , and no one ever knew that in his native city he had been a man much honored and esteemed for learning and integrity , till a countryman came to see him . He never spoke of himself , and in a conversation with Miss Norton divulged the pleasing fact .
From her XXXXX learned it , and liked it all the better because Mr. Bhaer had never told it .
Bhaer Jo Norton Professor Shakespeare Time conceit fire first wearer