Join Host Bree Carlile as she reads the seventh chapter of Jo's Boys.

Come with us as we release one bite a day of one of your favorite classic novels, plays & short stories. Bree reads these classics like she reads to her daughter, one chapter a day. If you love books or audiobooks and want something to listen to as you're getting ready, driving to work, or as you're getting ready for bed, check out Bite at a Time Books!

Follow, rate, and review Bite at a Time Books where we read you your favorite classics, one bite at a time. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Check out our website, or join our Facebook Group!

Get exclusive Behind the Scenes content on our YouTube!

We are now part of the Bite at a Time Books Productions network!

If you ever wondered what inspired your favorite classic novelist to write their stories, what was happening in their lives or the world at the time, check out Bite at a Time Books Behind the Story wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow us on all the socials: Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - TikTok

Follow Bree at: Instagram - Twitter - Facebook

San the book and let's see what we can find.

Take it chapter by chapter, one bite at a time.

So many adventures and mountains we can climb.

Take it word for word, like by line.

One bite at a time.

My name is Brie Carlyle and I love to read and wanted to share my passion with listeners like you.

If you want to know what's coming next and vote on upcoming books, sign up for our newsletter@byetatimebooks.com.

You'll also find our new T shirts in the shop, including podcast shirts and quote shirts from your favorite classic novels.

Be sure to follow my show on your favorite podcast platform so you get all the new episodes.

You can find most of our links in the show notes, but also our website, Bytetimebooks.com includes all of the links for our show, including to our patreon to support the show, and YouTube, where we have special behind the narration of the episodes.

We're part of the bite at a Time books Productions network.

If you'd also like to hear what inspired your favorite classic authors to write their novels and what was going on in the world at the time, check out the Bite at a Time Books Behind the Story podcast.

Wherever you listen to podcasts, please note while we try to keep the text as close to the original as possible, some words have been changed to honor the marginalized communities who've identified the words as harmful and to stay in alignment with Bite at a Time book's brand values.

Today we'll be continuing Joe's Boys Maluisa May Alcott Chapter Seven The Lion and the Lamb when the boys were gone, a lull fell upon Plumfield, and the family scattered to various places for brief outings.

As August had come and all felt the need of change, the professor took Mrs.

Jo to the mountains, the Lawrence's were at the seashore, and there Meg's family and the Bear Boys took turns to visit.

Someone must always be at home to keep things in order.

Mrs.

Meg with Daisy was an office when the events occurred, which we are about to relate.

Rob and Ted were just up from Rocky nook, and NAN was passing a week with her friend as the only relaxation she allowed herself.

Demi was off on a run with Tom, so Rob was man of the house with old Silas as general overseer.

The sea air seemed to have gone to Ted's head, for he was unusually freakish and led his gentle aunt and poor Rob a life of it with his pranks.

OCTU was sworn out with the wild rides he took, and dawn openly rebelled when ordered to leap and show off his accomplishments.

While the girls at college were both amused and worried by the ghosts who haunted the grounds at night, the unearthly melodies that disturbed their studious hours, and the hair breath escapes of this restless boy by flood and field and fire.

Something happened at length which effectually sobered Ted and made a lasting impression on both the boys, for sudden danger and haunting fear turned the lion into a lamb and the lamb into a lion.

As far as courage went on the 1 September, the boys never forgot the date.

After a pleasant tramp and good luck with their fishing, their brothers were lounging in the barn, for Daisy had company and the lads kept out of the way.

I'll tell you what it is, Bobby.

That dog is sick.

He won't play, nor eat, nor drink and acts queerly.

Dan will kill us if anything happens to him, said Ted, looking at dawn, who lay near his kennel, resting a moment after one of the restless wanderings which kept him vibrating between the door of Dan's room and the shady corner of the yard where his master had settled him with an old cap to guard till he came back.

It's the hot weather, perhaps, but I sometimes think he's pining for Dan.

Dogs, do you know?

And the poor fellow's been low in his mind ever since the boys went.

Maybe something has happened to Dan.

Don howled last night and can't rest.

I've heard of such things, answered Rob thoughtfully.

Who?

He can't know.

He's cross.

I'll stir him up and take him for a run.

Always makes me feel better.

Hi, boy.

Wake up and be jolly.

And Ted snapped his fingers at the dog, who only looked at him with grim indifference.

Better let him alone.

If he isn't right.

Tomorrow we'll take him to Dr.

Watkins and see what he says.

And Rob went on, watching the swallows as he lay in the hay, polishing up some Latin verses he had made.

The spirit of perversity entered into Ted, and merely because he was told not to tease Don, he went on doing it, pretending that it was for the dog's good.

Don took no heed of his pats, commands, reproaches or insults till Ted's patience gave out.

And seeing a convenient switch nearby, he could not resist the temptation to conquer the great hound by force.

Since gentleness failed to win obedience, he had the wisdom to chain Don up first for a blow from any hand.

But his masters made him savage, and Ted had more than once tried the experiment.

As the dog remembered, this indignity roused dawn and he sat up with a growl.

Rob heard it, and seeing Ted race the switch, ran to interfere exclaiming.

Don't touch him.

Dan forbade it.

Leave the poor thing in peace.

I won't allow it.

Rob seldom commanded, but when he did, Master Ted had to give in.

His temper was up, and Rob's masterful tone made it impossible to resist one cut at the rebellious dog before he submitted only a single blow.

But it was a costly one, for as it fell, the dog sprang its head with a snarl, and Rob, rushing between the two, felt the sharp teeth pierce his leg.

A word made don let go and drop remorsefully at Rob's feet, for he loved him and was evidently sorry to have hurt his friend by mistake.

With a forgiving pat, Rob left him to limp to the barn, followed by Ted, whose wrath was changed to shame and sorrow when he saw the red drops on Rob's sock and the little wounds on his leg.

I'm awfully sorry.

Why did you get in the way?

Here, wash it up and I'll get a rag to tie on it, he said quickly, filling a sponge with water and pulling out a very demoralized handkerchief.

Rob usually made light of his own mishaps and was over ready to forgive if others were to blame.

But now he sat quite still, looking at the purple marks with such a strange expression on its white face that Ted was troubled, though he added with a laugh, why, you're not afraid of a little dig like that, are you, Bobby?

I'm afraid of hydrophobia, but if Don is mad, I'd rather be the one to have it, answered Rob with a smile and a shiver at that dreadful word.

Ted turned wider than his brother, and, dropping sponge and handkerchief, stared at him with a frightened face, whispering in a tone of despair, oh, Rob, don't say it.

What shall we do?

What shall we do?

Call NAN.

She will know.

Don't scare Auntie or tell a soul.

But NAN she's on the back piazza.

Get her out here as quick as you can.

I'll wash it till she comes.

Maybe it's nothing.

Don't look so staggered, Ted.

I only thought it might be as Donna's queer.

Rob tried to speak bravely, but Ted's long legs felt strangely weak as he hurried away, and it was lucky he met no one, for his face would have betrayed him.

NAN was swinging luxuriously in a hammock, amusing herself with the lively treaties on Krube, when an agitated boy suddenly clutched her, whispering as he nearly pulled her overboard, come to Rob in the barn.

Don's mad, and he's bitten him, and we don't know what to do.

It's all my fault.

No one must know.

Oh, doobie quick.

NAN was on her feet, at once, startled but with her wits about her, and both were off without more words as they dodged round the house, where unconscious Daisy chatted with her friends in the parlor and Aunt Meg peacefully took her afternoon nap upstairs.

Rob was braced up and was as calm and steady as ever when they found him in the harness room.

Whether he had wisely retired to escape observation, the story was soon told, and after a look at dawn, now in his kennel saddened surly, NAN said slowly, with her eye on the full water pan, rob, there's one thing to do for the sake of safety, and it must be done at once.

We can't wait to see if dawn is sick or to go for a doctor.

I can do it.

And I will.

But it is very painful, and I hate to hurt you, dear.

A most unprofessional quiver got into Nan's voice as she spoke, and her keen eyes dimmed as she looked at the two anxious young faces turned so confidingly to her for help.

I know.

Burn it well.

Do it, please.

I can bear it.

But Ted better go away, said Rob with a firm setting of his lips and a nod at his afflicted brother.

I won't stir.

I can stand it if he can.

Only it ought to be me, cried Ted with a desperate effort not to cry so.

Full of grief and fear and shame was he that it seemed as if he couldn't bear it like a man.

He'd better stay and help do him good, answered NAN sternly, because her heart was faint within her, knowing as she did all that might be in store for both poor boys.

Keep quiet.

I'll be back in a minute, she added, going towards the house while her quick mind hastily planned what was best to be done.

It was ironing day, and a hot fire still burned in the empty kitchen, for the maids were upstairs resting.

NAN put a slender poker to heat, and as she sat waiting for it, covered her face with her hands, asking help in the sudden need for strength, courage and wisdom, for there was no one else to call upon, and young as she was, she knew what was to be done.

If she only had the nerve to do it, any other patient would have been calmly interesting.

But dear good Robin, his father's pride, his mother's comfort, everyone's favorite and friend that he should be in danger was very terrible, and a few hot tears dropped on the well scoured table as NAN tried to calm her trouble by remembering how very likely it was to be all a mistake, unnatural but vain alarm.

I must make light of it, or the boys will break down, and then there will be a panic.

Why afflict and frighten everyone when all is in doubt?

I won't.

I'll take Rob to Dr.

Morrison at once and have the dog man see dawn.

Then, having done all we can, we will either laugh at our scare, if it is one, or be ready for whatever comes.

Now for my poor boy.

Armed with the red hot poker, a pitcher of ice water and several handkerchiefs from the clotheshorse, NAN went back to the barn, ready to do her best in her most serious emergency case.

The boy sat like statues, one of despair, the other of resignation, and it took all Nan's boasted nerve to do her work quickly and well.

Now, Rob.

Only a minute.

Then we are safe.

Stand by Ted.

He may be a bit faintish.

Rob shut his eyes, clenched his hands and sat like a hero.

Ted knelt beside him, white as a sheet and as weak as a girl for the pangs of remorse were rending him, and his heart failed at the thought of all this pain because of his willfulness.

It was all over in a moment with only one little groan.

But when NAN looked to her assistant to hand the water, poor Ted needed it the most, for he had fainted away and lay on the floor in a pathetic heap of arms and legs.

Rob laughed and cheered by that unexpected sound.

NAN bound up the wound with hands that never trembled.

No great drops stood on her forehead, and she shared the water with patient number one before she turned to patient number two.

Ted was much ashamed and quite broken in spirit when he found how he had failed at the critical moment and begged them not to tell, as he really could not help it.

Then, by way of finishing his utter humiliation, a burst of hysterical tears disgraced his manly soul and did him a world of good.

Never mind.

Never mind.

We are all right now, and no one need be the wiser, said NAN briskly as poor Ted hiccuped on Rob's shoulder, laughing and crying in the most competuous manner while his brother soothed him and the young doctor fanned both with Silas's old straw hat.

Now, boys, listen to me and remember what I say.

We won't alarm anyone yet, for I've made up my mind.

Our scares all nonsense.

Don was outlapping the water as I came by, and I don't believe he's mad any more than I am.

Still, to ease our minds and compose our spirits and get our guilty faces out of sight for a while, I think we'd better drive into town to my old friend Dr.

Morrison and let him just take a look at my work and give us some quieting little dose, for we are all rather shaken by this flurry.

Sit still, Rob.

And Ted, you harness up while I run and get my hat and tell Auntie to excuse me to Daisy.

I don't know those Peneman girls.

And she'll be glad of our room at tea and will have a cozy bite at my house and come home as gay as larks.

NAN talked on as a vent for the hidden emotions which professional pride would not allow her to show, and the boys approved her plan at once for action.

It's always easier than quiet waiting.

Ted went staggering away to wash his face at the pump and rub some color into his cheeks before he harnessed the horse.

Rob laid tranquilly on the hay, looking up at the swallows again as he lived through some very memorable moments.

Boy as he was, the thought of death coming suddenly to him and in this way might well make him sober.

For it is a very solemn thing to be arrested in the midst of busy life by the possibility of the great change.

There were no sins to be repented of, few faults and many happy dutiful years to remember with infinite comfort.

So Rob had no fears to daunt him, no regrets to sadden, and best of all, a very strong and simple pietes to sustain and cheer him.

Mind vader was his first thought, for Rob was very near the professor's heart, and the loss of his eldest would have been a bitter blow.

These words whispered with a tremble of the lips that had been so firm when the hot iron burned, recalled that other father who was always near, always tender and helpful.

And folding his hands, rob said the hardiest little prayer he ever prayed there on the hay to the soft twitter of the brooding birds.

It did him good and wisely.

Laying all his fear and doubt and trouble in God's hand.

The boy felt ready for whatever was to come, and from that hour kept steadily before him the one duty that was plain to be brave and cheerful, keep silent and hope for the best.

NAN stole her hat and left a note on Daisy's Pincushion saying she had taken the boys to drive and all would be out of the way till after tea.

Then she hurried back and found her patients much better, the one for work, the other for rest, and they got and putting Rob on the back seat with his leg up, drove away looking as gay and carefree as if nothing had happened.

Dr.

Morrison made light of the affair, but told NAN she had done right.

And as the much relieved lads went downstairs, he added in a whisper, send the dog off for a while and keep your eye on the boy.

Don't let him know it, and report to me if anything seems wrong.

One never knows in these cases.

No harm to be careful.

NAN nodded, and, feeling much relieved now that the responsibility was off her shoulders, took the lads to Dr.

Watkins, who promised to come out later and examine dawn.

A merry tea at Nan's house, which was kept open for her all summer, did them good, and by the time they got home in the cool of the evening, no sign of the panic remained, but Ted's heavy eyes and a slight limp.

When Rob walked, all the guests were still chattering on the front piazza.

They retired to the back, and Ted soothed his remorseful soul by swinging Rob in the hammock while NAN told stories till the dog man arrived.

He said dawn was a little under the weather, but no more mad than the great kitten that purred round his legs while the examination went on.

He wants his master and feels the heat fed too well.

Perhaps I'll keep him a few weeks and send him home.

All right, said Dr.

Watkins, as Don laid his great head in his hand and kept his intelligent eyes on his face, evidently feeling that this man understood his trials and knew what to do for him.

So Don departed without a murmur and our three conspirators took counsel together how to spare the family all anxiety and give Rob the rest his leg demanded.

Fortunately, he always spent many hours in his little study, so he could lie on the sofa with a book in his hand as long as he liked, without exciting any remark.

Being of a quiet temperament, he did not worry himself or NAN with useless fears, but believed what was told him and, dismissing all dark possibilities, went cheerfully on his way.

Soon recovering from the shock of what he called our scare.

But excitable Ted was harder to manage, and it took all Nan's wit and wisdom to keep him from betraying the secret, for it was the best to say nothing and sparrow discussion of the subject for Rob's sake.

Ted's remorse preyed upon him and having no mum to confide in, he was very miserable by day.

He devoted himself to Rob, waiting on him, talking to him, gazing anxiously at him, and worrying the goodfellow very much, though he wouldn't own it, since Ted found comfort in it.

But at night, when all was quiet, ted's lively imagination and heavy heart got the better of him and kept him awake or set him walking in his sleep.

NAN had her eye on him and more than once administered a little dose to give him a rest, read to him, scolded him, and when she caught him haunting the house in the watches of the night threatened to lock him up if he did not stay in his bed.

This wore off after a while, but a change came over the freakish boy, and everyone observed it even before his mother returned to ask what they had done to quench the lion's spirits.

He was gay, but not so heedless, and often, when the old willfulness beset him, he would check it sharply, look at Rob and give up, or stalk away to have his sulk out alone.

He no longer made fun of his brother's old fashioned ways and bookish tastes, but treated him with a new and very marked respect which touched and pleased modest Rob and much amazed all observers.

It seemed as if he felt that he owed him reparation for the foolish act that might have cost him his life and love.

Being stronger than will, ted forgot his pride and paid his debt like an honest boy.

I don't understand it, said Mrs.

Jo after a week of home life, much impressed by the good behavior of her younger son.

Ted is such a saint.

I'm afraid we're going to lose him.

Is it Meg's sweet influence or Daisy's fine cooking or the pellets I catch NAN giving him on the fly?

Some witchcraft has been at work during my absence, and this Lilla the wisp is so amiable quiet and obedient.

I don't know him.

He is growing up hard, stearest, and being a precocious plant, he begins to bloom early.

I also see a change in my Rob chin.

He is more manly and serious than ever and is seldom far from me, as if his love for the old papa was growing with his growth.

Our boys will often surprise us in this way, Joe, and we can only rejoice over them and leave them to become what God pleases.

As the professor spoke, his eyes rested proudly on the brothers who came walking up the steps together, ted's arm over Rob's shoulder as he listened attentively to some geological remarks Rob was making on a stone he held.

Usually Ted made fun of such tastes and loved to lay boulders in the student's path, put brick baths under his pillow, gravel in his shoes, or send parcels of dirt by express to prof R m.

Bear.

Lately he had treated Rob's hobbies respectfully and had begun to appreciate the good qualities of this quiet brother, whom he had always loved, but rather undervalued, Till.

His courage under fire won Ted's admiration and made it impossible to forget a fault, the consequences of which might have been so terrible.

The lake was still lame, though doing well, and Ted was always offering an arm as support, gazing anxiously at his brother and trying to guess his wants for regret was still keen in Ted's soul, and Rob's forgiveness only made it deeper.

A fortunate slip on the stairs gave Rob an excuse for limping, and no one but NAN and Ted saw the wound, so the secret was safe up to this time.

We are talking about you, my lads.

Come in and tell us what good fairy has been at work while we were gone.

Or is it because absence sharpens our eyes that we find such pleasant changes when we come back?

Said Mrs Jo, patting the sofa on either side while the professor forgot his piles of letters to admire the pleasing prospect of his wife in a bower of arms as the boy sat down beside her, smiling affectionately but feeling a little guilty.

For till now, Mum and Vader knew every event in their boyish lives.

Oh, it's only because Bobby and I have been alone so much.

We are sort of twins.

I'd stir him up a bit and he steadies me a great deal.

You and Father do the same, you know.

Nice plan.

I like it.

Ted felt that he had settled the matter capitally.

Mother won't thank you for comparing yourself to her, Ted.

I'm flattered at being like Father in any way.

I try to be, answered Rob, as they laughed at Ted's compliment.

I do thank him for it's.

True.

And if you, Robin, do half as much for your brother as Papa has for me, your life won't be a failure, said Mrs Jo hardily.

I'm very glad to see you helping one another.

It's the right way, and we can't begin too soon to try to understand the needs, virtues and failings of those nearest us.

Love should not make us blind to faults nor familiarity make us too ready to blame the shortcomings we see.

So work away my sunnies and give us more surprises of this sort as often as you like.

The leave mutter has said it all.

I, too am well pleased at the friendly brother warmth.

I find it is good for everyone.

Long may it last.

And Professor Bear nodded at the boys, who looked gratified, but rather at a loss how to respond to these flattering remarks.

Rob wisely kept silent, hearing to say too much, but Ted burst out, finding it impossible to help telling something.

The fact is, I've been finding out what a brave, good chap Bobby is, and I'm trying to make up for all the bother I've been to him.

I knew he was awfully wise, but I thought him rather soft because he liked books better than larks and was always fussing about his conscience.

But I began to see that it isn't the fellows who talk the loudest and show off best that are the manliest.

No, sir.

Quiet old Bob is a hero and a trump, and I'm proud of him.

So would you be if you knew all about it.

Here.

A look from Rob brought Ted up with a round turn.

He stopped short, grew red and clapped his hand on his mouth in dismay.

Well, are we not to know all about it?

Asked Mrs Jo quickly, for her sharp eye saw signs of danger, and her maternal heart felt that something had come between her and her sons.

Boys, she went on solemnly, I suspect that the change we talk about is not altogether the effect of growing up, as we say.

It strikes me that Ted has been in mischief and Rob has got him out of some scrape.

Hence the lovely mood of my bad boy and the sober one of my conscientious son, who never hides anything from his mother.

Rob was as red as Ted now, but after a moment's hesitation, he looked up and answered with an air of relief, yes, Mother, that's it.

But it's all over and no harm done.

And I think we'd better let it be for a while at least.

I did feel guilty to keep anything from you, but now you know so much, I shall not worry.

And you needn't either.

Ted sorry.

I don't mind.

And it has done us both good.

Mrs Jo looked at Ted, who winked hard, but bore the look like a man.

Then she turned to Rob, who smiled at her so cheerfully that she felt reassured.

But something in his face struck her, and she saw what it was that made him seem older, graver, yet more lovable than ever.

It was the look pain of mind as well as body brings, and the patience of a sweet submission to some inevitable trial.

Like a flash, she guessed that some danger had been near her boy, and the glances she had caught between the two lads, and NAN confirmed her fears.

Rob, dear, you've been ill hurt or seriously troubled by Ted.

Tell me at once.

I will not have any secrets now.

Boys sometimes suffer all their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness.

Fritz, make them speak out.

Mr Bear put down his papers and came to stand before them, saying in a tone that quieted Mrs Joe and gave the boys courage my sons, give us the truth.

We can bear it.

Do not hold it back to spare us.

Ted knows we forgive much because we love him so.

Be frank all too.

Ted instantly dived among the sofa pillows and kept there with only a pair of scarlet ears visible, while Rob, in a few words, told the little story truthfully, but as gently as he could hastening to add the comfortable assurance that dawn was not mad, the wound nearly well, and no danger would ever come of it.

But Mrs Joke grew so pale he had to put his arms about her, and his father turned and walked away, exclaiming a kimmel in a tone of such mingled pain, relief and gratitude that Ted pulled an extra pillow over his head to smother the sound.

They were all right in a minute, but such news is always a shock, even if the peril is past.

And Mrs Joe hugged her boy close till his father came and took him away, saying with a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in his voice, to be in danger of one's life tries a man's medal and you bear it well.

But I cannot spare my good boy yet.

Thank God we keep him safe.

A smothered sound between a choke and a groan came from under the pillows and the writhing of Ted's long legs so plainly expressed despair that his mother relented towards him and burrowing till she found a tousled yellow head, pulled it out and smoothed it exclaiming with an irrepressible laugh, though her cheeks were wet with tears.

Come and be forgiven, poor sinner.

I know you've suffered enough and I won't say a word.

Only if harm had come to Rob, you would have made me more miserable than yourself.

Oh, Teddy, teddy, do try to cure that wifil spirit of yours before it is too late.

Oh, Mum, I do try.

I never can forget this.

I hope it's cured me.

If it hasn't, I am afraid I ain't worth saving, answered Ted.

Pulling his own hair is the only way of expressing his deep remorse.

Yes, you are, my dear.

I felt just so at 15, when Amy was nearly drowned and Marmi helped me, as I'll help you.

Come to me, Teddy, when the evil one gets hold of you, and together we'll route him.

Oh, me, I've had many a tussle with that old Apollon and often got worsted, but not always.

Come under my shield, and we'll fight till we win.

No one spoke for a minute as.

Ted and his mother laughed and cried in one handkerchief.

And Rob stood with his father's arm round him, so happy that all was told and forgiven, though never to be forgotten.

For such experiences do one good and knit hearts that love more closely together.

Presently Ted wrote straight up and going to his father said bravely and humbly, I ought to be punished.

Please do it.

But first say you forgive me, as Rob does always.

That mine son.

70 times seven.

It needs be, else I am not worthy the name you give me.

The punishment has come.

I can give no greater.

Let it not be in vain.

It will not, with the help of the mother and the all father room here for both always.

The good professor opened his arms and embraced his boys like a true German, not ashamed to express by gesture or by word the fatherly emotions an American would have compressed into a slap on the shoulder and a brief all right.

Mrs.

Joe sat and enjoyed the prospect like a romantic soul as she was.

And then they had a quiet talk together, saying freely all that was in their hearts and finding much comfort in the confidence which comes when love casts out fear.

It was agreed that nothing be said except Tanan, who was to be thanked and rewarded for her courage, discretion and fidelity.

I always knew that girl had the making of a fine woman in her, and this proves it.

No panics and shrieks and faintings and fuss, but calm sense and energetic skill.

Dear child, what can I give or do to show my gratitude?

Said Mrs.

Jo enthusiastically.

Make Tom clear out and leave her in peace, suggested Ted, almost himself again, though a pensive haze still partially obscured his native gaiety.

Yes, do.

He frets her like a mosquito.

She verbatim to come out here while she stayed and packed him off with demi.

I like old Tom, but he's a regular.

Noodle about NAN, added Rob as he went away to help his father with the accumulated letters.

I'll do it, said Mrs.

Joe.

Decidedly.

That girl's career shall not be hampered by a foolish boy's fancy.

In a moment of weariness, she may give in, and then it's all over.

Wise women have done so and regretted it all their lives.

NAN shall earn her place first and prove that she can fill it.

Then she may marry if she likes and can find a man worthy of her.

But Mrs.

Jo's help was not needed, for love and gratitude can work miracles.

And when youth, beauty, accident and photography are added, success is sure, as was proved in the case of the unsuspecting, but too susceptible.

Thomas, thank you for joining Bite at a Time books today while we read a bite of one of your favorite classics.

Again, my name is Brie Carlyle, and I hope you come back tomorrow for the next bite of Joe's boys don't.

Forget to sign up for our newsletter@bytetimebooks.com and check out the shop.

You can check out the show notes or our website bytitimebooks.com for the rest of the links for our show.

We'd love to hear from you on social media as well.

Take a look and a book and let's see what we can find.

Taking chapter by chapter, one at a time so many adventures, mountains we can climb.

Take it word for word, line by line, one bite at a time close.