Did you doubt your friends ? ' asked Mrs Jo , forgetting all other emotions in sympathy , as she lifted up the hidden face , and looked reproachfully into the great hollow eyes that met her own frankly now . ' I was ashamed . I tried to bear it alone rather than shock and disappoint you , as I know I have , though you try not to show it . Do n't mind ; I must get used to it ' ; and Dan 's eyes dropped again as if they could not bear to see the trouble and dismay his confession painted on his best friend 's face . ' I am shocked and disappointed by the sin , but I am also very glad and proud and grateful that my sinner has repented , atoned , and is ready to profit by the bitter lesson . No one but Fritz and Laurie need ever know the truth ; we owe it to them , and they will feel as I do , ' answered Mrs Jo , wisely thinking that entire frankness would be a better tonic than too much sympathy . ` No , they wo n't ; men never forgive like women . But it 's right . Please tell 'em for me , and get it over . Mr Laurence knows it , I guess . I blabbed when my wits were gone ; but he was very kind all the same . I can bear their knowing ; but oh , not Ted and the girls ! ' Dan clutched her arm with such an imploring face that she hastened to assure him no one should know except the two old friends , and he calmed down as if ashamed of his sudden panic . ` It was n't murder , mind you , it was in self-defence ; he drew first , and I had to hit him . Did n't mean to kill him ; but it does n't worry me as much as it ought , I 'm afraid . I 've more than paid for it , and such a rascal is better out of the world than in it , showing boys the way to hell . Yes , I know you think that 's awful in me ; but I ca n't help it . I hate a scamp as I do a skulking coyote , and always want to get a shot at 'em . Perhaps it would have been better if he had killed me ; my life is spoilt . '
All the old prison gloom seemed to settle like a black cloud on XXXXX 's face as he spoke , and Mrs Jo was frightened at the glimpse it gave her of the fire through which he had passed to come out alive , but scarred for life .
Dan Jo Laurence Laurie Ted first murder right scamp self-defence