Suffering of both mind and body had broken will and pride , and the lifted burden brought such a sense of relief that he paused a moment to enjoy it in dumb delight . ` My poor boy , how you have suffered all this year , when we thought you free as air ! Why did n't you tell us , Dan , and let us help you ? 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 XXXXX it .
've Did bear broken help know met paid showing tell