Mr. Bhaer put Rob down , and , standing up , put his arm round his tall nephew 's shoulder , as he said , with a look of genuine pleasure , `` This makes my hard day easier , and gives me confidence in you all . I am needed there in town , and must leave you for some hours . I thought to give you a holiday , or send some of you home , but if you like to stay and go on as you have begun , I shall be glad and proud of my good boys . '' `` We 'll stay ; '' `` We 'd rather ; '' `` Franz can see to us ; '' cried several , delighted with the confidence shown in them . `` Is n't Marmar coming home ? '' asked Rob , wistfully ; for home without `` Marmar '' was the world without the sun to him . `` We shall both come to-night ; but dear Aunt Meg needs Mother more than you do now , and I know you like to lend her for a little while . '' `` Well , I will ; but Teddy 's been crying for her , and he slapped Nursey , and was dreadful naughty , '' answered Rob , as if the news might bring mother home . `` Where is my little man ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer . `` Dan took him out , to keep him quiet . He 's all right now , '' said Franz , pointing to the window , through which they could see Dan drawing baby in his little wagon , with the dogs frolicking about him . `` I wo n't see him , it would only upset him again ; but tell Dan I leave Teddy in his care . You older boys I trust to manage yourselves for a day . Franz will direct you , and Silas is here to over see matters . So good-by till to-night . '' `` Just tell me a word about Uncle John , '' said Emil , detaining Mr. Bhaer , as he was about hurrying away again . `` He was only ill a few hours , and died as he has lived , so cheerfully , so peacefully , that it seems a sin to mar the beauty of it with any violent or selfish grief . We were in time to say good-by : and Daisy and Demi were in his arms as he fell asleep on Aunt Meg 's breast . No more now , I can not bear it , '' and Mr. Bhaer went hastily away quite bowed with grief , for in John Brooke he had lost both friend and brother , and there was no one left to take his place .
All that XXXXX the house was very still ; the small boys played quietly in the nursery ; the others , feeling as if Sunday had come in the middle of the week , spent it in walking , sitting in the willow , or among their pets , all talking much of `` Uncle John , '' and feeling that something gentle , just , and strong , had gone out of their little world , leaving a sense of loss that deepened every hour .
Brooke Dan John Marmar Meg Nursey Rob day left to-night