midnight sun
If she had known what birthday gift was coming every minute nearer and nearer , she would not have said to herself , `` I 'll weep a little weep when I go to bed . It wo n't do to be dismal now . '' Then she drew her hand over her eyes , for one of her boyish habits was never to know where her handkerchief was , and had just managed to call up a smile when there came a knock at the porch door . She opened with hospitable haste , and started as if another ghost had come to surprise her , for there stood a tall bearded gentleman , beaming on her from the darkness like a midnight sun . `` Oh , Mr. Bhaer , I am so glad to see you ! '' cried Jo , with a clutch , as if she feared the night would swallow him up before she could get him in . `` And I to see Miss Marsch , but no , you haf a party , '' and the Professor paused as the sound of voices and the tap of dancing feet came down to them .