They felt this as they drew closer to one another , and Laurie put it into words as he said earnestly : ' I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a woman like our mother . Please God , she shall be , if I can do it ; for I owe the best I have to this dear saint . ' Just then a fresh voice began to sing ` Ave Maria ' in the music-room , and Bess unconsciously echoed her father 's prayer for her as she dutifully obeyed his wishes . The soft sound of the air Marmee used to sing led the listeners back into the world again from that momentary reaching after the loved and lost , and they sat down together near the open windows enjoying the music , while Laurie brought them tea , making the little service pleasant by the tender care he gave to it . Nat came in with Demi , soon followed by Ted and Josie , the Professor and his faithful Rob , all anxious to hear more about ` the boys ' . The rattle of cups and tongues grew brisk , and the setting sun saw a cheerful company resting in the bright room after the varied labours of the day . Professor Bhaer was grey now , but robust and genial as ever ; for he had the work he loved , and did it so heartily that the whole college felt his beautiful influence . Rob was as much like him as it was possible for a boy to be , and was already called the ` young Professor ' , he so adored study and closely imitated his honoured father in all ways . ` Well , heart 's dearest , we go to have our boys again , all two , and may rejoice greatly , ' said Mr Bhaer , seating himself beside Jo with a beaming face and a handshake of congratulation . ` Oh , Fritz , I 'm so delighted about Emil , and if you approve about Franz also . Did you know Ludmilla ? Is it a wise match ? ' asked Mrs Jo , handing him her cup of tea and drawing closer , as if she welcomed her refuge in joy as well as sorrow . ` It all goes well . I saw the Madchen when I went over to place Franz . A child then , but most sweet and charming . Blumenthal is satisfied , I think , and the boy will be happy . He is too German to be content away from Vaterland , so we shall have him as a link between the new and the old , and that pleases me much . ' ` And Emil , he is to be second mate next voyage ; is n't that fine ? I 'm so happy that both your boys have done well ; you gave up so much for them and their mother .
You make light of it , dear , but I never forget it , ' said Jo , with her hand in his as sentimentally as if she was a girl again and her XXXXX had come a-wooing .
Demi Fritz German Laurie Madchen Maria Professor Rob labours music-room