My heart was sore for you when I heard that , '' and he shook hands again , with such a sympathetic face that Jo felt as if no comfort could equal the look of the kind eyes , the grasp of the big , warm hand . `` Father , Mother , this is my friend , Professor Bhaer , '' she said , with a face and tone of such irrepressible pride and pleasure that she might as well have blown a trumpet and opened the door with a flourish . If the stranger had any doubts about his reception , they were set at rest in a minute by the cordial welcome he received . Everyone greeted him kindly , for Jo 's sake at first , but very soon they liked him for his own . They could not help it , for he carried the talisman that opens all hearts , and these simple people warmed to him at once , feeling even the more friendly because he was poor . For poverty enriches those who live above it , and is a sure passport to truly hospitable spirits . Mr. Bhaer sat looking about him with the air of a traveler who knocks at a strange door , and when it opens , finds himself at home . The children went to him like bees to a honeypot , and establishing themselves on each knee , proceeded to captivate him by rifling his pockets , pulling his beard , and investigating his watch , with juvenile audacity . The women telegraphed their approval to one another , and Mr. March , feeling that he had got a kindred spirit , opened his choicest stores for his guest 's benefit , while silent John listened and enjoyed the talk , but said not a word , and Mr. Laurence found it impossible to go to sleep . If Jo had not been otherwise engaged , Laurie 's behavior would have amused her , for a faint twinge , not of jealousy , but something like suspicion , caused that gentleman to stand aloof at first , and observe the newcomer with brotherly circumspection . But it did not last long . He got interested in spite of himself , and before he knew it , was drawn into the circle . For Mr. Bhaer talked well in this genial atmosphere , and did himself justice . He seldom spoke to Laurie , but he looked at him often , and a shadow would pass across his face , as if regretting his own lost youth , as he watched the young man in his prime . Then his eyes would turn to Jo so wistfully that she would have surely answered the mute inquiry if she had seen it . But Jo had her own eyes to take care of , and feeling that they could not be trusted , she prudently kept them on the little sock she was knitting , like a model maiden aunt . A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk , for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens . Mr. Bhaer 's face had lost the absent-minded expression , and looked all alive with interest in the present moment , actually young and handsome , she thought , forgetting to compare him with Laurie , as she usually did strange men , to their great detriment . Then he seemed quite inspired , though the burial customs of the ancients , to which the conversation had strayed , might not be considered an exhilarating topic . Jo quite glowed with triumph when Teddy got quenched in an argument , and thought to herself , as she watched her father 's absorbed face , `` How he would enjoy having such a man as my Professor to talk with every day ! ''
Lastly , Mr. XXXXX was dressed in a new suit of black , which made him look more like a gentleman than ever .
Bhaer Jo Laurence Teddy day first honeypot minute omens talisman