Come in and tell us what good fairy has been at work while we were gone . Or is it because absence sharpens our eyes , that we find such pleasant changes when we come back ? ' said Mrs Jo , patting the sofa on either side , while the Professor forgot his piles of letters to admire the pleasing prospect of his wife in a bower of arms , as the boys sat down beside her , smiling affectionately , but feeling a little guilty ; for till now ` Mum ' and ` Vater ' knew every event in their boyish lives . ` Oh , it 's only because Bobby and I have been alone so much ; we are sort of twins . I stir him up a bit , and he steadies me a great deal . You and father do the same , you know . Nice plan . I like it ' ; and Ted felt that he had settled the matter capitally . ` Mother wo n't thank you for comparing yourself to her , Ted . I 'm flattered at being like father in any way . I try to be , ' answered Rob , as they laughed at Ted 's compliment . ' I do thank him , for it 's true ; and if you , Robin , do half as much for your brother as Papa has for me , your life wo n't be a failure , ' said Mrs Jo heartily . ` I 'm very glad to see you helping one another . It 's the right way , and we ca n't begin too soon to try to understand the needs , virtues , and failings of those nearest us . Love should not make us blind to faults , nor familiarity make us too ready to blame the shortcomings we see . So work away , my sonnies , and give us more surprises of this sort as often as you like . ' ` The liebe Mutter has said all . I too am well pleased at the friendly brother-warmth I find . It is good for everyone ; long may it last ! ' and Professor Bhaer nodded at the boys , who looked gratified , but rather at a loss how to respond to these flattering remarks .
Rob wisely kept silent , fearing to say too much ; but XXXXX burst out , finding it impossible to help telling something : ` The fact is I 've been finding out what a brave good chap Bobby is , and I 'm trying to make up for all the bother I 've been to him .
Bhaer Jo Professor Rob Ted Vater brother-warmth failings liebe sonnies