` My day has been ruined , and I will have this last half-hour to finish . Tell him to go away ; I wo n't go down , ' cried Mrs Jo , fiercely . Mary went ; and listening , in spite of herself , her mistress heard first a murmur of voices , then a cry from Mary , and remembering the ways of reporters , also that her maid was both pretty and timid , Mrs Bhaer flung down her pen and went to the rescue . Descending with her most majestic air she demanded in an awe-inspiring voice , as she paused to survey the somewhat brigandish intruder , who seemed to be storming the staircase which Mary was gallantly defending : ` Who is this person who insists on remaining when I have declined to see him ? ' ` I 'm sure I do n't know , ma'am . He wo n't give no name , and says you 'll be sorry if you do n't see him , ' answered Mary , retiring flushed and indignant from her post . ` Wo n't you be sorry ? ' asked the stranger , looking up with a pair of black eyes full of laughter , the flash of white teeth through a long beard , and both hands out as he boldly approached the irate lady . Mrs Jo gave one keen look , for the voice was familiar ; then completed Mary 's bewilderment by throwing both arms round the brigand 's neck , exclaiming joyfully : ` My dearest boy , where did you come from ? ' ` California , on purpose to see you , Mother Bhaer . Now wo n't you be sorry if I go away ? ' answered Dan , with a hearty kiss . ` To think of my ordering you out of the house when I 've been longing to see you for a year , ' laughed Mrs Jo , and she went down to have a good talk with her returned wanderer , who enjoyed the joke immensely . Chapter 4 . DAN Mrs Jo often thought that Dan had Indian blood in him , not only because of his love of a wild , wandering life , but his appearance ; for as he grew up , this became more striking . At twenty-five he was very tall , with sinewy limbs , a keen , dark face , and the alert look of one whose senses were all alive ; rough in manner , full of energy , quick with word and blow , eyes full of the old fire , always watchful as if used to keep guard , and a general air of vigour and freshness very charming to those who knew the dangers and delights of his adventurous life . He was looking his best as he sat talking with ` Mother Bhaer ' , one strong brown hand in hers , and a world of affection in his voice as he said : ` Forget old friends ! How could I forget the only home I ever knew ? Why , I was in such a hurry to come and tell my good luck that I did n't stop to fix up , you see ; though I knew you 'd think I looked more like a wild buffalo than ever , ' with a shake of his shaggy black head , a tug at his beard , and a laugh that made the room ring . ' I like it ; I always had a fancy for banditti -- and you look just like one .
XXXXX , being a newcomer , was frightened at your looks and manners .
Bhaer California Dan Indian Jo Mary day first vigour year