Mrs Jo looked at Ted , who winked hard but bore the look like a man ; then she turned to Rob , who smiled at her so cheerfully that she felt reassured ; but something in his face struck her , and she saw what it was that made him seem older , graver , yet more lovable than ever . It was the look pain of mind , as well as body , brings , and the patience of a sweet submission to some inevitable trial . Like a flash she guessed that some danger had been near her boy , and the glances she had caught between the two lads and Nan confirmed her fears . ` Rob , dear , you have been ill , hurt , or seriously troubled by Ted ? Tell me at once ; I will not have any secrets now . Boys sometimes suffer all their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness . Fritz , make them speak out ! ' Mr Bhaer put down his papers and came to stand before them , saying in a tone that quieted Mrs Jo , and gave the boys courage : ` My sons , give us the truth . We can bear it ; do not hold it back to spare us . Ted knows we forgive much because we love him , so be frank , all two . ' Ted instantly dived among the sofa pillows and kept there , with only a pair of scarlet ears visible , while Rob in a few words told the little story , truthfully , but as gently as he could , hastening to add the comfortable assurance that Don was not mad , the wound nearly well , and no danger would ever come of it . But Mrs Jo grew so pale he had to put his arms about her , and his father turned and walked away , exclaiming : ` Ach Himmel ! ' in a tone of such mingled pain , relief , and gratitude , that Ted pulled an extra pillow over his head to smother the sound . They were all right in a minute ; but such news is always a shock , even if the peril is past , and Mrs Jo hugged her boy close till his father came and took him away , saying with a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in his voice : ` To be in danger of one 's life tries a man 's mettle , and you bear it well ; but I can not spare my good boy yet ; thank Gott , we keep him safe ! ' A smothered sound , between a choke and a groan , came from under the pillows , and the writhing of Ted 's long legs so plainly expressed despair that his mother relented towards him , and burrowing till she found a tousled yellow head , pulled it out and smoothed it , exclaiming with an irrepressible laugh , though her cheeks were wet with tears : ` Come and be forgiven , poor sinner ! I know you have suffered enough , and I wo n't say a word ; only if harm had come to Rob you would have made me more miserable than yourself . Oh , Teddy , Teddy , do try to cure that wilful spirit of yours before it is too late ! ' ` Oh , Mum , I do try ! I never can forget this -- I hope it 's cured me ; if it has n't , I am afraid I ai n't worth saving , ' answered Ted , pulling his own hair as the only way of expressing his deep remorse . ` Yes , you are , my dear ; I felt just so at fifteen when Amy was nearly drowned , and Marmee helped me as I 'll help you .
XXXXX to me , Teddy , when the evil one gets hold of you , and together we 'll rout him .
Come confirmed forget forgive help hope knows smother suffer took