` Was n't a man there who would n't have done the same , so why make a row over me ? ' asked the hero , feeling more ashamed than proud of the broken arm , which looked so interesting in a sling . ` But is n't it pleasant to think that you saved twenty lives , Dan , and gave husbands , sons , and fathers back to the women who loved them ? ' asked Mrs Jo one evening as they were alone together after several callers had been sent away . ` Pleasant ! it 's all that kept me alive , I do believe ; yes , I 'd rather have done it than be made president or any other big bug in the world . No one knows what a comfort it is to think I 've saved twenty men to more than pay for -- ' There Dan stopped short , having evidently spoken out of some strong emotion to which his hearer had no key . ' I thought you 'd feel so . It is a splendid thing to save life at the risk of one 's own , as you did , and nearly lose it , ' began Mrs Jo , wishing he had gone on with that impulsive speech which was so like his old manner . ' `` He that loseth his life shall gain it '' , ' muttered Dan , staring at the cheerful fire which lighted the room , and shone on his thin face with a ruddy glow . Mrs Jo was so startled at hearing such words from his lips that she exclaimed joyfully : ` Then you did read the little book I gave you , and kept your promise ? ' ' I read it a good deal after a while . I do n't know much yet , but I 'm ready to learn ; and that 's something . ' ` It 's everything . Oh , my dear , tell me about it ! I know something lies heavy on your heart ; let me help you bear it , and so make the burden lighter . ' ' I know it would ; I want to tell ; but some things even you could n't forgive ; and if you let go of me , I 'm afraid I ca n't keep afloat . ' ` Mothers can forgive anything ! Tell me all , and be sure that I will never let you go , though the whole world should turn from you . ' Mrs Jo took one of the big wasted hands in both of hers and held it fast , waiting silently till that sustaining touch warmed poor Dan 's heart , and gave him courage to speak .
Sitting in his old attitude , with his head in his XXXXX , he slowly told it all , never once looking up till the last words left his lips .
Mrs arm comfort glow hands life lives room women words