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 said , 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 . I 'm to carry my share , Friedrich , and help to earn the home . Make up your mind to that , or I 'll never go , '' she added resolutely , as he tried to reclaim his load . `` We shall see . Haf you patience to wait a long time , Jo ? I must go away and do my work alone . I must help my boys first , because , even for you , I may not break my word to Minna . Can you forgif that , and be happy while we hope and wait ? '' `` Yes , I know I can , for we love one another , and that makes all the rest easy to bear . I have my duty , also , and my work . I could n't enjoy myself if I neglected them even for you , so there 's no need of hurry or impatience . You can do your part out West , I can do mine here , and both be happy hoping for the best , and leaving the future to be as God wills . '' `` Ah ! Thou gifest me such hope and courage , and I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands , '' cried the Professor , quite overcome . Jo never , never would learn to be proper , for when he said that as they stood upon the steps , she just put both hands into his , whispering tenderly , `` Not empty now , '' and stooping down , kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella . It was dreadful , but she would have done it if the flock of draggle-tailed sparrows on the hedge had been human beings , for she was very far gone indeed , and quite regardless of everything but her own happiness . Though it came in such a very simple guise , that was the crowning moment of both their lives , when , turning from the night and storm and loneliness to the household light and warmth and peace waiting to receive them , with a glad `` Welcome home ! '' Jo led her lover in , and shut the door .
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN HARVEST TIME For a year Jo and her Professor worked and waited , hoped and loved , met occasionally , and wrote such voluminous letters that the rise in the price of paper was accounted for , Laurie XXXXX .
came enjoy forgif know neglected overcome said see stood stooping