Chapter 54
'When we remember how different they are, from what some of them
came, and the home influences about others, I think we may feel
pretty well satisfied so far,' answered Mr Laurie soberly, as his
eyes rested on one bright head among the black and brown ones, for
the young moon shone alike on all.
'I don't worry about the girls; Meg sees to them, and is so wise and
patient and tender they can't help doing well; but my boys are more
care every year, and seem to drift farther away from me each time
they go,' sighed Mrs Jo. 'They will grow up, and I can only hold them
by one little thread, which may snap at any time, as it has with Jack
and Ned. Dolly and George still like to come back, and I can say my
word to them; and dear old Franz is too true ever to forget his own.
But the three who are soon going out into the world again I can't
help worrying about. Emil's good heart will keep him straight, I
hope, and
'"A sweet little cherub sits up aloft,
To look out for the life of poor Jack."'
Nat is to make his first flight, and he's weak in spite of your
strengthening influence; and Dan is still untamed. I fear it will
take some hard lesson to do that.'
'He's a fine fellow, Jo, and I almost regret this farming project. A
little polish would make a gentleman of him, and who knows what he
might become here among us,' answered Mr Laurie, leaning over Mrs
Bhaer's chair, just as he used to do years ago when they had
mischievous secrets together.
'It wouldn't be safe, Teddy. Work and the free life he loves will
make a good man of him, and that is better than any amount of polish,
with the dangers an easy life in a city would bring him. We can't
change his nature--only help it to develop in the right direction.
The old impulses are there, and must be controlled, or he will go
wrong. I see that; but his love for us is a safeguard, and we must
keep a hold on him till he is older or has a stronger tie to help
him.'
Mrs Jo spoke earnestly, for, knowing Dan better than anyone else, she
saw that her colt was not thoroughly broken yet, and feared while she