Come in , and make one of us . '' Though a very social man , I think Mr. Bhaer would have gone decorously away , and come again another day , but how could he , when Jo shut the door behind him , and bereft him of his hat ? Perhaps her face had something to do with it , for she forgot to hide her joy at seeing him , and showed it with a frankness that proved irresistible to the solitary man , whose welcome far exceeded his boldest hopes . `` If I shall not be Monsieur de Trop , I will so gladly see them all . You haf been ill , my friend ? '' He put the question abruptly , for , as Jo hung up his coat , the light fell on her face , and he saw a change in it . `` Not ill , but tired and sorrowful . We have had trouble since I saw you last . '' `` Ah , yes , I know . 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 XXXXX interested in spite of himself , and before he knew it , was drawn into the circle .
enriches flourish found got greeted help hung put saw warmed