Part 2: Chapter 40 Summary

For two weeks, Jo and the professor meet each evening for walks. Jo tries to hide her feelings, especially since she has so highly valued her independence. She is distraught when the professor does not visit her for three days. While she is in town running errands, it begins to rain. As she walks along with her head down, the professor covers her with his umbrella and walks beside her.

As they walk and talk in the rain, each is trying to read the other. They almost convince themselves that the other has no feelings of love. Finally, in despair, Jo breaks into tears. Those tears give the professor what he has been waiting for — a clear sign of Jo's affection for him. He quickly declares his intentions and they begin making plans.

The professor has stayed away from Jo until...