`` What did they say ? '' asked Jack , who had been much impressed by the scenes of the day . `` Why , one of the partners of Mr. Laurence , where Uncle John has been ever so long , was saying that he was conscientious almost to a fault as a business man , and above reproach in all things . Another gentleman said no money could repay the fidelity and honesty with which Uncle John had served him , and then Grandpa told them the best of all . Uncle John once had a place in the office of a man who cheated , and when this man wanted uncle to help him do it , uncle would n't , though he was offered a big salary . The man was angry and said , ` You will never get on in business with such strict principles ; ' and uncle answered back , ' I never will try to get on without them , ' and left the place for a much harder and poorer one . '' `` Good ! '' cried several of the boys warmly , for they were in the mood to understand and value the little story as never before . `` He was n't rich , was he ? '' asked Jack . `` No . '' `` He never did any thing to make a stir in the world , did he ? '' `` No . '' `` He was only good ? '' `` That 's all ; '' and Franz found himself wishing that Uncle John had done something to boast of , for it was evident that Jack was disappointed by his replies . `` Only good . That is all and every thing , '' said Mr. Bhaer , who had overheard the last few words , and guessed what was going on the minds of the lads . `` Let me tell you a little about John Brooke , and you will see why men honor him , and why he was satisfied to be good rather than rich or famous . He simply did his duty in all things , and did it so cheerfully , so faithfully , that it kept him patient and brave , and happy through poverty and loneliness and years of hard work . He was a good son , and gave up his own plans to stay and live with his mother while she needed him .
He was a good friend , and taught Laurie much beside his Greek and Latin , did it unconsciously , perhaps , by showing him an example of an upright XXXXX .
gentleman lads loneliness man men minds patient poverty principles replies