`` It 's very bad poetry , but I felt it when I wrote it , one day when I was very lonely , and had a good cry on a rag bag . I never thought it would go where it could tell tales , '' said Jo , tearing up the verses the Professor had treasured so long . `` Let it go , it has done its duty , and I will haf a fresh one when I read all the brown book in which she keeps her little secrets , '' said Mr. Bhaer with a smile as he watched the fragments fly away on the wind . `` Yes , '' he added earnestly , `` I read that , and I think to myself , She has a sorrow , she is lonely , she would find comfort in true love . I haf a heart full , full for her . Shall I not go and say , ` If this is not too poor a thing to gif for what I shall hope to receive , take it in Gott 's name ? ' '' `` And so you came to find that it was not too poor , but the one precious thing I needed , '' whispered Jo . `` I had no courage to think that at first , heavenly kind as was your welcome to me . But soon I began to hope , and then I said , ' I will haf her if I die for it , ' and so I will ! '' cried Mr. Bhaer , with a defiant nod , as if the walls of mist closing round them were barriers which he was to surmount or valiantly knock down . Jo thought that was splendid , and resolved to be worthy of her knight , though he did not come prancing on a charger in gorgeous array . `` What made you stay away so long ? '' she asked presently , finding it so pleasant to ask confidential questions and get delightful answers that she could not keep silent . `` It was not easy , but I could not find the heart to take you from that so happy home until I could haf a prospect of one to gif you , after much time , perhaps , and hard work . How could I ask you to gif up so much for a poor old fellow , who has no fortune but a little learning ? '' `` I 'm glad you are poor . I could n't bear a rich husband , '' said Jo decidedly , adding in a softer tone , `` Do n't fear poverty . I 've known it long enough to lose my dread and be happy working for those I love , and do n't call yourself old -- forty is the prime of life . I could n't help loving you if you were seventy ! '' The Professor found that so touching that he would have been glad of his handkerchief , if he could have got at it .
As he could n't , Jo wiped his eyes for him , and XXXXX , laughing , as she took away a bundle or two ... `` I may be strong-minded , but no one can say I 'm out of my sphere now , for woman 's special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens .
felt find gif go haf keep knock made said thought