Laurie graduates then , and you 'd enjoy commencement as something new . '' `` That is your best friend , of whom you speak ? '' he said in an altered tone . `` Yes , my boy Teddy . I 'm very proud of him and should like you to see him . '' Jo looked up then , quite unconscious of anything but her own pleasure in the prospect of showing them to one another . Something in Mr. Bhaer 's face suddenly recalled the fact that she might find Laurie more than a ` best friend ' , and simply because she particularly wished not to look as if anything was the matter , she involuntarily began to blush , and the more she tried not to , the redder she grew . If it had not been for Tina on her knee . She did n't know what would have become of her . Fortunately the child was moved to hug her , so she managed to hide her face an instant , hoping the Professor did not see it . But he did , and his own changed again from that momentary anxiety to its usual expression , as he said cordially ... `` I fear I shall not make the time for that , but I wish the friend much success , and you all happiness . Gott bless you ! '' And with that , he shook hands warmly , shouldered Tina , and went away . But after the boys were abed , he sat long before his fire with the tired look on his face and the ` heimweh ' , or homesickness , lying heavy at his heart . Once , when he remembered Jo as she sat with the little child in her lap and that new softness in her face , he leaned his head on his hands a minute , and then roamed about the room , as if in search of something that he could not find . `` It is not for me , I must not hope it now , '' he said to himself , with a sigh that was almost a groan . Then , as if reproaching himself for the longing that he could not repress , he went and kissed the two tousled heads upon the pillow , took down his seldom-used meerschaum , and opened his Plato . He did his best and did it manfully , but I do n't think he found that a pair of rampant boys , a pipe , or even the divine Plato , were very satisfactory substitutes for wife and child at home . Early as it was , he was at the station next morning to see Jo off , and thanks to him , she began her solitary journey with the pleasant memory of a familiar face smiling its farewell , a bunch of violets to keep her company , and best of all , the happy thought , `` Well , the winter 's gone , and I 've written no books , earned no fortune , but I 've made a friend worth having and I 'll try to keep him all my life . '' CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE HEARTACHE Whatever his motive might have been , Laurie studied to some purpose that year , for he graduated with honor , and gave the Latin oration with the grace of a Phillips and the eloquence of a Demosthenes , so his friends said .
They were all there , his grandfather -- oh , so proud -- Mr. and Mrs. March , John and Meg , XXXXX and Beth , and all exulted over him with the sincere admiration which boys make light of at the time , but fail to win from the world by any after-triumphs .
Bhaer Demosthenes Gott HEARTACHE Jo Laurie Plato Tina fire meerschaum