So good-by till to-night . '' `` Just tell me a word about Uncle John , '' said Emil , detaining Mr. Bhaer , as he was about hurrying away again . `` He was only ill a few hours , and died as he has lived , so cheerfully , so peacefully , that it seems a sin to mar the beauty of it with any violent or selfish grief . We were in time to say good-by : and Daisy and Demi were in his arms as he fell asleep on Aunt Meg 's breast . No more now , I can not bear it , '' and Mr. Bhaer went hastily away quite bowed with grief , for in John Brooke he had lost both friend and brother , and there was no one left to take his place . All that day the house was very still ; the small boys played quietly in the nursery ; the others , feeling as if Sunday had come in the middle of the week , spent it in walking , sitting in the willow , or among their pets , all talking much of `` Uncle John , '' and feeling that something gentle , just , and strong , had gone out of their little world , leaving a sense of loss that deepened every hour . At dusk , Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer came home alone , for Demi and Daisy were their mother 's best comfort now , and could not leave her . Poor Mrs. Jo seemed quite spent , and evidently needed the same sort of comfort , for her first words , as she came up the stairs , were , `` Where is my baby ? '' `` Here I is , '' answered a little voice , as Dan put Teddy into her arms , adding , as she hugged him close , `` My Danny tooked tare of me all day , and I was dood . '' Mrs. Jo turned to thank the faithful nurse , but Dan was waving off the boys , who had gathered in the hall to meet her , and was saying , in a low voice , `` Keep back ; she do n't want to be bothered with us now . '' `` No , do n't keep back . I want you all . Come in and see me , my boys . I 've neglected you all day , '' and Mrs. Jo held out her hands to them as they gathered round and escorted her into her own room , saying little , but expressing much by affectionate looks and clumsy little efforts to show their sorrow and sympathy . `` I am so tired , I will lie here and cuddle Teddy , and you shall bring me in some tea , '' she said , trying to speak cheerfully for their sakes . A general stampede into the dining-room followed , and the supper-table would have been ravaged if Mr. Bhaer had not interfered . It was agreed that one squad should carry in the mother 's tea , and another bring it out . The four nearest and dearest claimed the first honor , so Franz bore the teapot , Emil the bread , Rob the milk , and Teddy insisted on carrying the sugar basin , which was lighter by several lumps when it arrived than when it started . Some women might have found it annoying at such a time to have boys creaking in and out , upsetting cups and rattling spoons in violent efforts to be quiet and helpful ; but it suited Mrs. Jo , because just then her heart was very tender ; and remembering that many of her boys were fatherless or motherless , she yearned over them , and found comfort in their blundering affection . It was the sort of food that did her more good than the very thick bread-and-butter that they gave her , and the rough Commodore 's broken whisper , `` Bear up , Aunty , it 's a hard blow ; but we 'll weather it somehow ; '' cheered her more than the sloppy cup he brought her , full of tea as bitter as if some salt tear of his own had dropped into it on the way .
When supper was over , a second deputation removed the tray ; and Dan said , holding out his XXXXX for sleepy little Teddy , `` Let me put him to bed , you 're so tired , Mother . ''
Mrs. affection arms dining-room hands one others squad stampede voice