第8章

Buthedidnotwritetheletterthatday，forasherummagedouthisbestpaper，hecameacrosssomethingwhichchangedhispurpose。Tumblingaboutinonepartofthedeskamongbills，passports，andbusinessdocumentsofvariouskindswereseveralofJo’sletters，andinanothercompartmentwerethreenotesfromAmy，carefullytiedupwithoneofherblueribbonsandsweetlysuggestiveofthelittledeadrosesputawayinside。withahalf—repentant，half—amusedexpression，LauriegatheredupallJo’sletters，smoothed，folded，andputthemneatlyintoasmalldrawerofthedesk，stoodaminuteturningtheringthoughtfullyonhisfinger，thenslowlydrewitoff，laiditwiththeletters，lockedthedrawer，andwentouttohearHighMassatSaintStefan’s，feelingasiftherehadbeenafuneral，andthoughnotoverwhelmedwithaffliction，thisseemedamoreproperwaytospendtherestofthedaythaninwritingletterstocharmingyoungladies。

Theletterwentverysoon，however，andwaspromptlyanswered，forAmywashomesick，andconfesseditinthemostdelightfullyconfidingmanner。Thecorrespondenceflourishedfamously，andlettersflewtoandfrowithunfailingregularityallthroughtheearlyspring。Lauriesoldhisbusts，madeallumettesofhisopera，andwentbacktoParis，hopingsomebodywouldarrivebeforelong。HewanteddesperatelytogotoNice，butwouldnottillhewasasked，andAmywouldnotaskhim，forjustthenshewashavinglittleexperiencesofherown，whichmadeherratherwishtoavoidthequizzicaleyesof`outboy’。

FredVaughnhadreturned，andputthequestiontowhichshehadoncedecidedtoanswer，"Yes，thankyou，"butnowshesaid，"No，thankyou，"kindlybutsteadily，forwhenthetimecame，hercouragefailedher，andshefoundthatsomethingmorethanmoneyandpositionwasneededtosatisfythenewlongingthatfilledherheartsofulloftenderhopesandfears。Thewords，"Fredisagoodfellow，butnotatallthemanIfanciedyouwouldeverlike，"andLaurie’sfacewhenheutteredthem，keptreturningtoheraspertinaciouslyasherowndidwhenshesaidinlook，ifnotinwords，"Ishallmarryformoney。"Ittroubledhertorememberthatnow，shewishedshecouldtakeitback，itsoundedsounwomanly。Shedidn’twantLaurietothinkheraheartless，worldlycreature。Shedidn’tcaretobeaqueenofsocietynowhalfsomuchasshedidtobealovablewoman。Shewassogladhedidn’thateherforthedreadfulthingsshesaid，buttookthemsobeautifullyandwaskinderthanever。Hislettersweresuchacomfort，forthehomeletterswereveryirregularandnothalfsosatisfactoryashiswhentheydidcome。Itwasnotonlyapleasure，butadutytoanswerthem，forthepoorfellowwasforlorn，andneededpetting，sinceJopersistedinbeingstonyhearted。Sheoughttohavemadeaneffortandtriedtolovehim。Itcouldn’tbeveryhard，manypeoplewouldbeproudandgladtohavesuchadearboycareforthem。ButJoneverwouldactlikeothergirls，sotherewasnothingtodobutbeverykindandtreathimlikeabrother。

IfallbrothersweretreatedaswellasLauriewasatthisperiod，theywouldbeamuchhappierraceofbeingsthantheyare。Amyneverlecturednow。Sheaskedhisopiniononallsubjects，shewasinterestedineverythinghedid，madecharminglittlepresentsforhim，andsenthimtwolettersaweek，fulloflivelygossip，sisterlyconfidences，andcaptivatingsketchesofthelovelyscenesabouther。Asfewbrothersarecomplimentedbyhavingtheirletterscarriedaboutintheirsister’spockets，readandrereaddiligently，criedoverwhenshort，kissedwhenlong，andtreasuredcarefully，wewillnothintthatAmydidanyofthesefondandfoolishthings。Butshecertainlydidgrowalittlepaleandpensivethatspring，lostmuchofherrelishforsociety，andwentoutsketchingaloneagooddeal。Sheneverhadmuchtoshowwhenshecamehome，butwasstudyingnature，Idaresay，whileshesatforhours，withherhandsfolded，ontheterraceatValrosa，orabsentlysketchedanyfancythatoccurredtoher，astalwartknightcarvedonatomb，ayoungmanasleepinthegrass，withhishatoverhiseyes，oracurlyhairedgirlingorgeousarray，promenadingdownaballroomonthearmofatallgentleman，bothfacesbeingleftabluraccordingtothelastfashioninart，whichwassafebutnotaltogethersatisfactory。

HerauntthoughtthatsheregrettedheranswertoFred，andfindingdenialsuselessandexplanationsimpossible，Amylefthertothinkwhatsheliked，takingcarethatLaurieshouldknowthatFredhadgonetoEgypt。Thatwasall，butheunderstoodit，andlookedrelieved，ashesaidtohimself，withavenerableair……

"Iwassureshewouldthinkbetterofit。Pooroldfellow！I’vebeenthroughitall，andIcansympathize。"

Withthatheheavedagreatsigh，andthen，asifhehaddischargedhisdutytothepast，puthisfeetuponthesofaandenjoyedAmy’sletterluxuriously。

Whilethesechangesweregoingonabroad，troublehadcomeathome。ButthelettertellingthatBethwasfailingneverreachedAmy，andwhenthenextfoundheratVevay，fortheheathaddriventhemfromNiceinMay，andtheyhadtravelledslowlytoSwitzerland，bywayofGenoaandtheItalianlakes。Sheboreitverywell，andquietlysubmittedtothefamilydecreethatsheshouldnotshortenhervisit，forsinceitwastoolatetosaygoodbyetoBeth，shehadbetterstay，andletabsencesoftenhersorrow。Butherheartwasveryheavy，shelongedtobeathome，andeverydaylookedwistfullyacrossthelake，waitingforLaurietocomeandcomforther。

Hedidcomeverysoon，forthesamemailbroughtletterstothemboth，buthewasinGermany，andittooksomedaystoreachhim。Themomenthereadit，hepackedhisknapsack，badeadieutohisfellowpedestrians，andwasofftokeephispromise，withaheartfullofjoyandsorrow，hopeandsuspense。

HeknewVevaywell，andassoonastheboattouchedthelittlequay，hehurriedalongtheshoretoLaTour，wheretheCarrolswerelivingenpension。Thegarconwasindespairthatthewholefamilyhadgonetotakeapromenadeonthelake，butno，theblondemademoisellemightbeinthechateaugarden。Ifmonsierwouldgivehimselfthepainofsittingdown，aflashoftimeshouldpresenther。Butmonsieurcouldnotwaitevena`flashoftime’，andinthemiddleofthespeechdepartedtofindmademoisellehimself。

Apleasantoldgardenonthebordersofthelovelylake，withchestnutsrustlingoverhead，ivyclimbingeverywhere，andtheblackshadowofthetowerfallingfaracrossthesunnywater。Atonecornerofthewide，lowwallwasaseat，andhereAmyoftencametoreadorwork，orconsoleherselfwiththebeautyallabouther。Shewassittingherethatday，leaningherheadonherhand，withahomesickheartandheavyeyes，thinkingofBethandwonderingwhyLauriedidnotcome。Shedidnothearhimcrossthecourtyardbeyond，norseehimpauseinthearchwaythatledfromthesubterraneanpathintothegarden。Hestoodaminutelookingatherwithneweyes，seeingwhatnoonehadeverseenbefore，thetendersideofAmy’scharacter。Everythingabouthermutelysuggestedloveandsorrow，theblottedlettersinherlap，theblackribbonthattiedupherhair，thewomanlypainandpatienceinherface，eventhelittleebonycrossatherthroatseemedpathetictoLaurie，forhehadgivenittoher，andsheworeitasheronlyornament。Ifhehadanydoubtsaboutthereceptionshewouldgivehim，theyweresetatresttheminuteshelookedupandsawhim，fordroppingeverything，sherantohim，exclaiminginatoneofunmistakableloveandlonging……

"Oh，Laurie，Laurie，Iknewyou’dcometome！"

Ithinkeverythingwassaidandsettledthen，forastheystoodtogetherquitesilentforamoment，withthedarkheadbentdownprotectinglyoverthelightone，AmyfeltthatnoonecouldcomfortandsustainhersowellasLaurie，andLauriedecidedthatAmywastheonlywomanintheworldwhocouldfillJo’splaceandmakehimhappy。Hedidnottellherso，butshewasnotdisappointed，forbothfeltthetruth，weresatisfied，andgladlylefttheresttosilence。

InaminuteAmywentbacktoherplace，andwhileshedriedhertears，Lauriegatheredupthescatteredpapers，findinginthesightofsundrywell—wornlettersandsuggestivesketchesgoodomensforthefuture。Ashesatdownbesideher，amyfeltshyagain，andturnedrosyredattherecollectionofherimpulsivegreeting。

"Icouldn’thelpit，Ifeltsolonelyandsad，andwassoverygladtoseeyou。Itwassuchasurprisetolookupandfindyou，justasIwasbeginningtofearyouwouldn’tcome，"shesaid，tryinginvaintospeakquitenaturally。

"IcametheminuteIheard。IwishIcouldsaysomethingtocomfortyouforthelossofdearlittleBeth，butIcanonlyfeel，and……"Hecouldnotgetanyfurther，forhertooturnedbashfulallofasudden，anddidnotquiteknowwhattosay。HelongedtolayAmy’sheaddownonhisshoulder，andtellhertohaveagoodcry，buthedidnotdare，sotookherhandinstead，andgaveitasympatheticsqueezethatwasbetterthanwords。

"Youneedn’tsayanything，thiscomfortsme，"shesaidsoftly。"Bethiswellandhappy，andImustn’twishherback，butIdreadthegoinghome，muchasIlongtoseethemall。Wewon’ttalkaboutitnow，foritmakesmecry，andIwanttoenjoyyouwhileyoustay。Youneedn’tgorightback，needyou？"

"Notifyouwantme，dear。"

"Ido，somuch。AuntandFloareverykind，butyouseemlikeoneofthefamily，anditwouldbesocomfortabletohaveyouforalittlewhile。"

AmyspokeandlookedsolikeahomesickchildwhoseheartwasfullthatLaurieforgothisbashfulnessallatonce，andgaveherjustwhatshewanted——thepettingshewasusedtoandthecheerfulconversationsheneeded。

"Poorlittlesoul，youlookasifyou’dgrievedyourselfhalfsick！I’mgoingtotakecareofyou，sodon’tcryanymore，butcomeandwalkaboutwithme，thewindistoochillyforyoutositstill，"hesaid，inthehalf—caressing，half—commandingwaythatAmyliked，ashetiedonherhat，drewherarmthroughhis，andbegantopaceupanddownthesunnywalkunderthenew—leavedchestnuts。Hefeltmoreateaseuponhislegs，andAmyfounditpleasanttohaveastrongarmtoleanupon，afamiliarfacetosmileather，andakindvoicetotalkdelightfullyforheralone。

Thequaintoldgardenhadshelteredmanypairsoflovers，andseemedexpresslymadeforthem，sosunnyandsecludedwasit，withnothingbutthetowertooverlookthem，andthewidelaketocarryawaytheechooftheirwords，asitrippledbybelow。Foranhourthisnewpairwalkedandtalked，orrestedonthewall，enjoyingthesweetinfluenceswhichgavesuchacharmtotimeandplace，andwhenanunromanticdinnerbellwarnedthemaway，Amyfeltasifsheleftherburdenoflonlinessandsorrowbehindherinthechateaugarden。

ThemomentMrs。Carrolsawthegirl’salteredface，shewasilluminatedwithanewidea，andexclaimedtoherself，"NowIunderstanditall——thechildhasbeenpiningforyoungLaurence。Blessmyheart，Ineverthoughtofsuchathing！"

Withpraiseworthydiscretion，thegoodladysaidnothing，andbetrayednosignofenlightenment，butcordiallyurgedLaurietostayandbeggedAmytoenjoyhissociety，foritwoulddohermoregoodthansomuchsolitude。Amywasamodelofdocility，andasherauntwasagooddealoccupiedwithFlo，shewaslefttoentertainherfriend，anddiditwithmorethanherusualsuccess。

AtNice，LauriehadloungedandAmyhadscolded。AtVevay，Lauriewasneveridle，butalwayswalking，riding，boating，orstudyinginthemostenergeticmanner，whileAmyadmiredeverythinghedidandfollowedhisexampleasfarandasfastasshecould。Hesaidthechangewasowingtotheclimate，andshedidnotcontradicthim，beinggladofalikeexcuseforherownrecoveredhealthandspirits。

Theinvigoratingairdidthembothgood，andmuchexerciseworkedwholesomechangesinmindsaswellasbodies。Theyseemedtogetclearerviewsoflifeanddutyupthereamongtheeverlastinghills。Thefreshwindsblewawaydespondingdoubts，delusivefancies，andmoodymists。Thewarmspringsunshinebroughtoutallsortsofaspiringideas，tenderhopes，andhappythoughts。Thelakeseemedtowashawaythetroublesofthepast，andthegrandoldmountainstolookbenignlydownuponthemsaying，"Littlechildren，loveoneanother。"

Inspiteofthenewsorrow，itwasaveryhappytime，sohappythatLauriecouldnotbeartodisturbitbyaword。Ittookhimalittlewhiletorecoverfromhissurpriseatthecureofhisfirst，andashehadfirmlybelieved，hislastandonlylove。HeconsoledhimselffortheseemingdisloyaltybythethoughtthatJo’ssisterwasalmostthesameasJo’sself，andtheconvictionthatitwouldhavebeenimpossibletoloveanyotherwomanbutAmysosoonandsowell。Hisfirstwooinghadbeenofthetempestuousorder，andhelookedbackupon;itasifthroughalongvistaofyearswithafeelingofcompassionblendedwithregret。Hewasnotashamedofit，butputitawayasoneofthebitter—sweetexperiencesofhislife，forwhichhecouldbegratefulwhenthepainwasover。Hissecondwooing，heresolved，shouldbeascalmandsimpleaspossible。Therewasnoneedofhavingascene，hardlyanyneedoftellingAmythathelovedher，sheknewitwithoutwordsandhadgivenhimhisanswerlongago。Itallcameaboutsonaturallythatnoonecouldcomplain，andheknewthateverybodywouldbepleased，evenJo。Butwhenourfirstlittlepassionhasbeencrushed，weareapttobewaryandslowinmakingasecondtrial，soLaurieletthedayspass，enjoyingeveryhour，andleavingtochancetheutteranceofthewordthatwouldputanendtothefirstandsweetestpartofhisnewromance。

Hehadratherimaginedthatthedénoumentwouldtakeplaceinthechâteaugardenbymoonlight，andinthemostgracefulanddecorusmanner，butitturnedoutexactlythereverse，forthematterwassettledonthelakeatnoondayinafewbluntwords。Theyhadbeenfloatingaboutallthemorning，fromgloomySt。GingolftosunnyMontreux，withtheAlpsofSavoyononeside，MontSt。BernardandtheDentduMidiontheother，prettyVevayinthevalley，andLausanneuponthehillbeyond，acloudlessblueskyoverhead，andthebluerlakebelow，dottedwiththepicturesqueboatsthatlooklikewhite—wingedgulls。

TheyhadbeentalkingofBonnivard，astheyglidedpastChillon，andofRousseau，astheylookedupatClarens，wherehewrotehisHéloïse。Neitherhadreadit，buttheyknewitwasalovestory，andeachprivatelywonderedifitwashalfasinterestingastheirown。Amyhadbeendabblingherhandinthewaterduringthelittlepausethatfellbetweenthem，andwhenshelookedup，Lauriewasleaningonhisoarswithanexpressioninhiseyesthatmadehersayhastily，merelyforthesakeofsayingsomething……

"Youmustbetired。Restalittle，andletmerow。Itwilldomegood，forsinceyoucameIhavebeenaltogetherlazyandluxurious。"

"I’mnottired，butyoumaytakeanoar，ifyoulike。There’sroomenough，thoughIhavetositnearlyinthemiddle，elsetheboatwon’ttrim，"returnedLaurie，asifheratherlikedthearrangment。

Feelingthatshehadnotmendedmattersmuch，Amytooktheofferedthirdofaseat，shookherhairoverherface，andacceptedanoar。Sherowedaswellasshedidmanyotherthings，andthoughsheusedbothhands，andLauriebutone，theoarskepttime，andtheboatwentsmoothlythroughthewater。

"Howwellwepulltogether，don’twe？"saidAmy，whoobjectedtosilencejustthen。

"SowellthatIwishwemightalwayspullinthesameboat。Willyou，Amy？"verytenderly。

"Yes，Laurie，"verylow。

Thentheybothstoppedrowing，andunconsciouslyaddedaprettylittletableauofhumanloveandhappinesstothedissolvingviewsreflectedinthelake。

GoodWives:Chapter19CHAPTER19AllAloneItwaseasytopromiseself—abnegationwhenselfwaswrappedupinanother，andheartandsoulwerepurifiedbyasweetexample。Butwhenthehelpfulvoicewassilent，thedailylessonover，thebelovedpresencegone，andnothingremainedbutlonelinessandgrief，thenJofoundherpromiseveryhardtokeep。Howcouldshe`comfortFatherandMother’whenherownheartachedwithaceaselesslongingforhersister，howcouldshe`makethehousecheerful’whenallitslightandwarmthandbeautyseemedtohavedeserteditwhenBethlefttheoldhomeforthenew，andwhereinalltheworldcouldshe`findsomeuseful，happyworktodo’，thatwouldtaketheplaceofthelovingservicewhichhadbeenitsownreward？Shetriedinablind，hopelesswaytodoherduty，secretlyrebellingagainstitallthewhile，foritseemedunjustthatherfewjoysshouldbelessened，herburdensmadeheavier，andlifegetharderandharderasshetoiledalong。Somepeopleseemedtogetallsunshine，andsomeallshadow。Itwasnotfair，forshetriedmorethanAmytobegood，butnevergotanyreward，onlydisappointment，troubleandhardwork。

PoorJo，theseweredarkdaystoher，forsomethinglikedespaircameoverherwhenshethoughtofspendingallherlifeinthatquiethouse，devotedtohumdrumcares，afewsmallpleasures，andthedutythatneverseemedtogrowanyeasier。"Ican’tdoit。Iwasn’tmeantforalifelikethis，andIknowIshallbreakawayanddosomethingdesperateifsomebodydoesn’tcomeandhelpme，"shesaidtoherself，whenherfirsteffortsfailedandshefellintothemoody，miserablestateofmindwhichoftencomeswhenstrongwillshavetoyieldtotheinevitable。

Butsomeonedidcomeandhelpher，thoughJodidnotrecognizehergoodangelsatoncebecausetheyworefamiliarshapesandusedthesimplespellsbestfittedtopoorhumanity。Oftenshestartedupatnight，thinkingBethcalledher，andwhenthesightofthelittleemptybedmadehercrywiththebittercryofunsubmissivesorrow，"Oh，Beth，comeback！Comeback！"shedidnotstretchoutheryearningarmsinvain。For，asquicktohearhersobbingasshehadbeentohearhersister’sfaintestwhisper，hermothercametocomforther，notwithwordsonly，butthepatienttendernessthatsoothesbyatouch，tearsthatweremuteremindersofagreatergriefthanJo’s，andbrokenwhispers，moreeloquentthanprayers，becausehopefulresignationwenthand—in—handwithnaturalsorrow。Sacredmoments，whenhearttalkedtoheartinthesilenceofthenight，turningafflictiontoablessing，whichchastenedgriefandstrengthenedlove。Feelingthis，Jo’sburdenseemedeasiertobear，dutygrewsweeter，andlifelookedmoreendurable，seenfromthesafeshelterofhermother’sarms。

Whenachingheartwasalittlecomforted，troubledmindlikewisefoundhelp，foronedayshewenttothestudy，andleaningoverthegoodgrayheadliftedtowelcomeherwithatranquilsmile，shesaidveryhumbly，"Father，talktomeasyoudidtoBeth。Ineeditmorethanshedid，forI’mallwrong。"

"Mydear，nothingcancomfortmelikethis，"heanswered，withafalterinhisvoice，andbotharmsroundher，asifhetoo，neededhelp，anddidnotfeartoaskforit。

Then，sittinginBeth’slittlechairclosebesidehim，Jotoldhertroubles，theresentfulsorrowforherloss，thefruitlesseffortsthatdiscouragedher，thewantoffaiththatmadelifelooksodark，andallthesadbewildermentwhichwecalldespair。Shegavehimentireconfidence，hegaveherthehelpsheneeded，andbothfoundconsolationintheact。Forthetimehadcomewhentheycouldtalktogethernotonlyasfatheranddaughter，butasmanandwoman，ableandgladtoserveeachotherwithmutualsympathyaswellasmutuallove。Happy，thoughtfultimesthereintheoldstudywhichJocalled`thechurchofonemember’，andfromwhichshecamewithfreshcourage，recoveredcheerfulness，andamoresubmissivespirit。Fortheparentswhohadtaughtonechildtomeetdeathwithoutfear，weretryingnowtoteachanothertoacceptlifewithoutdespondencyordistrust，andtouseitsbeautifulopportunitieswithgratitudeandpower。

OtherhelpshadJo——humble，wholesomedutiesanddelightsthatwouldnotbedeniedtheirpartinservingher，andwhichsheslowlylearnedtoseeandvalue。Broomsanddishclothsnevercouldbeasdistastefulastheyoncehadbeen，forBethhadpresidedoverboth，andsomethingofherhousewifelyspiritseemedtolingeraroundthelittlemopandtheoldbrush，neverthrownaway。Assheusedthem，JofoundherselfhummingthesongsBethusedtohum，imitatingBeth’sorderlyways，andgivingthelittletoucheshereandtherethatkepteverythingfreshandcozy，whichwasthefirststeptowardmakinghomehappy，thoughshedidn’tknowittillHannahsaidwithanapprovingsqueezeofthehand……

"Youthoughtfulcreeter，you’redeterminedweshan’tmissthatdearlambefyoucanhelpit。Wedon’tsaymuch，butweseeit，andtheLordwillblessyoufor’t，seeefHedon’t。"

Astheysatsewingtogether，JodiscoveredhowmuchimprovedhersisterMegwas，howwellshecouldtalk，howmuchsheknewaboutgood，womanlyimpulses，thoughts，andfeelings，howhappyshewasinhusbandandchildren，andhowmuchtheywerealldoingforeachother。

"Marriageisanexcellentthing，afterall。IwonderifIshouldblossomouthalfaswellasyouhave，ifItriedit？"saidJo，assheconstructedakiteforDemiinthetopsy—turvynursery。

"It’sjustwhatyouneedtobringoutthetenderwomanlyhalfofyournature，Jo。Youarelikeachestnutburr，pricklyoutside，butsilky—softwithin，andasweetkernal，ifonecanonlygetatit。Lovewillmakeyoushowyourheartoneday，andthentheroughburrwillfalloff。"

"Frostopenschestnutburrs，ma`am，andittakesagoodshaketobringthemdown。Boysgonutting，andIdon’tcaretobebaggedbythem，"returnedJo，pastingawayatthekitewhichnowindthatblowswouldevercarryup，forDaisyhadtiedherselfonasabob。

Meglaughed，forshewasgladtoseeaglimmerofJo’soldspirit，butshefeltitherdutytoenforceheropinionbyeveryargumentinherpower，andthesisterlychatswerenotwasted，especiallyastwoofMeg’smosteffectiveargumentswerethebabies，whomJolovedtenderly。Griefisthebestopenerofsomehearts，andJo’swasnearlyreadyforthebag。Alittlemoresunshinetoripenthenut，then，notaboy’simpatientshake，butaman’shandreacheduptopickitgentlyfromtheburr，andfindthekernalsoundandsweet。Ifshesuspectedthis，shewouldhaveshutuptight，andbeenmorepricklythanever，fortunatelyshewasn’tthinkingaboutherself，sowhenthetimecame，downshedropped。

Now，ifshehadbeentheheroineofamoralstorybook，sheoughtatthisperiodofherlifetohavebecomequitesaintly，renouncedtheworld，andgoneaboutdoinggoodinamortifiedbonnet，withtractsinherpocket。But，yousee，Jowasn’taheroine，shewasonlyastrugglinghumangirllikehundredsofothers，andshejustactedouthernature，beingsad，cross，listless，orenergetic，asthemoodsuggested。It’shighlyvirtuoustosaywe’llbegood，butwecan’tdoitallatonce，andittakesalongpull，astrongpull，andapullalltogetherbeforesomeofusevengetourfeetsetintherightway。Johadgotsofar，shewaslearningtodoherduty，andtofeelunhappyifshedidnot，buttodoitcheerfully，ah，thatwasanotherthing！Shehadoftensaidshewantedtodosomethingsplendid，nomatterhowhard，andnowshehadherwish，forwhatcouldbemorebeautifulthantodevoteherlifetoFatherandMother，tryingtomakehomeashappytothemastheyhadtoher？Andifdifficultieswerenecessarytoincreasethesplendoroftheeffort，whatcouldbeharderforarestless，ambitiousgirlthantogiveupherownhopes，plans，anddesires，andcheerfullyliveforothers？

Providencehadtakenheratherword。Herewasthetask，notwhatshehadexpected，butbetterbecauseselfhadnopartinit。Now，couldshedoit？Shedecidedthatshewouldtry，andinherfirstattemptshefoundthehelpsIhavesuggested。Stillanotherwasgivenher，andshetookit，notasareward，butasacomfort，asChristiantooktherefreshmentaffordedbythelittlearborwhereherested，asheclimbedthehillcalledDifficulty。

"Whydon’tyouwrite？Thatalwaysusedtomakeyouhappy，"saidhermotheronce，whenthedespondingfitover—shadowedJo。

"I’venohearttowrite，andifIhad，nobodycaresformythings。"

"Wedo。Writesomethingforus，andnevermindtherestoftheworld。Tryit，dear。I’msureitwoulddoyougood，andpleaseusverymuch。"

"Don’tbelieveIcan。"ButJogotoutherdeskandbegantooverhaulherhalf—finishedmanuscripts。

Anhourafterwardhermotherpeepedinandthereshewas，scratchingaway，withherblackpinaforeon，andanabsorbedexpression，whichcausedMrs。Marchtosmileandslipaway，wellpleasedwiththesuccessofhersuggestion。Joneverknewhowithappened，butsomethinggotintothatstorythatwentstraighttotheheartsofthosewhoreadit，forwhenherfamilyhadlaughedandcriedoverit，herfathersentit，muchagainstherwill，tooneofthepopularmagazines，andtoheruttersurprise，itwasnotonlypaidfor，butothersrequested。Lettersfromseveralpersons，whosepraisewashonor，followedtheappearanceofthelittlestory，newspaperscopiedit，andstrangersaswellasfriends，admiredit。Forasmallthingitwasagreatsuccess，andJowasmoreastonishedthanwhenhernovelwascommendedandcondemnedallatonce。

"Idon’tunderstandit。Whatcantherebeinasimplelittlestorylikethattomakepeoplepraiseitso？"shesaid，quitebewildered。

"Thereistruthinit，Jo，that’sthesecret。Humorandpathosmakeitalive，andyouhavefoundyourstyleatlast。Youwrotewithnotthoughtsoffameandmoney，andputyourheartintoit，mydaughter。Youhavehadthebitter，nowcomesthesweet。Doyourbest，andgrowashappyasweareinyoursuccess。"

"IfthereisanythinggoodortrueinwhatIwrite，itisn’tmine。IoweitalltoyouandMotherandBeth，"saidJo，moretouchedbyherfather’swordsthanbyanyamountofpraisefromtheworld。

Sotaughtbyloveandsorrow，Jowroteherlittlestories，andsentthemawaytomakefriendsforthemselvesandher，findingitaverycharitableworldtosuchhumblewanderers，fortheywerekindlywelcomed，andsenthomecomfortabletokenstotheirmother，likedutifulchildrenwhomgoodfortuneovertakes。

WhenAmyandLauriewroteoftheirengagement，Mrs。MarchfearedthatJowouldfinditdifficulttorejoiceoverit，butherfearsweresoonsetatrest，forthoughtJolookedgraveatfirst，shetookitveryquietly，andwasfullofhopesandplansfor`thechildren’beforeshereadthelettertwice。Itwasasortofwrittenduet，whereineachglorifiedtheotherinlover—likefashion，verypleasanttoreadandsatisfactorytothinkof，fornoonehadanyobjectiontomake。

"Youlikeit，Mother？"saidJo，astheylaiddownthecloselywrittensheetsandlookedatoneanother。

"Yes，Ihopeditwouldbeso，eversinceAmywrotethatshehadrefusedFred。Ifeltsurethenthatsomethingbetterthanwhatyoucallthe`mercenaryspirit’hadcomeoverher，andahinthereandthereinherlettersmademesuspectthatloveandLauriewouldwintheday。"

"Howsharpyouare，Marmee，andhowsilent！Youneversaidaworkedtome。"

"Mothershaveneedofsharpeyesanddiscreettongueswhentheyhavegirlstomanage。Iwashalfafraidtoputtheideaintoyourhead，lestyoushouldwriteandcongratulatethembeforethethingwassettled。"

"I’mnotthescatterbrainIwas。Youmaytrustme。I’msoberandsensibleenoughforanyone’sconfidantenow。"

"Soyouare，mydear，andIshouldhavemadeyoumine，onlyIfancieditmightpainyoutolearnthatyourTeddylovedsomeoneelse。"

"Now，Mother，didyoureallythinkIcouldbesosillyandselfish，afterI’drefusedhislove，whenitwasfreshest，ifnotbest？"

"Iknewyouweresincerethen，Jo，butlatelyIhavethoughtthatifhecameback，andaskedagain，youmightperhaps，feellikegivinganotheranswer。Forgiveme，dear，Ican’thelpseeingthatyouareverylonely，andsometimesthereisahungrylookinyoureyesthatgoestomyheart。SoIfanciedthatyourboymightfilltheemptyplaceifhetriednow。"

"No，Mother，itisbetterasitis，andI’mgladAmyhaslearnedtolovehim。Butyouarerightinonething。Iamlonely，andperhapsifTeddyhadtriedagain，Imighthavesaid`Yes’，notbecauseIlovehimanymore，butbecauseIcaremoretobelovedthanwhenhewentaway。"

"I’mgladofthat，Jo，foritshowsthatyouaregettingon。Thereareplentytoloveyou，sotrytobesatisfiedwithFatherandMother，sistersandbrothers，friendsandbabies，tillthebestloverofallcomestogiveyouyourreward。"

"Mothersarethebestloversintheworld，butIdon’tmindwhisperingtoMarmeethatI’dliketotryallkinds。It’sverycurious，butthemoreItrytosatisfymyselfwithallsortsofnaturalaffections，themoreIseemtowant。I’dnoideaheartscouldtakeinsomany。Mineissoelastic，itneverseemsfullnow，andIusedtobequitecontentedwithmyfamily。Idon’tunderstandit。"

"Ido。"AndMrs。Marchsmiledherwisesmile，asJoturnedbacktheleavestoreadwhatAmysaidofLaurie。

"ItissobeautifultobelovedasLaurielovesme。Heisn’tsentimental，doesn’tsaymuchaboutit，butIseeandfeelitinallhesaysanddoes，anditmakesmesohappyandsohumblethatIdon’tseemtobethesamegirlIwas。Ineverknewhowgoodandgenerousandtenderhewastillnow，forheletsmereadhisheart，andIfinditfullofnobleimpulsesandhopesandpurposes，andamsoproudtoknowit’smine。Hesayshefeelsasifhe`couldmakeaprosperousvoyagenowwithmeaboardasmate，andlotsofloveforballast’。Iprayhemay，andtrytobeallhebelievesme，forIlovemygallantcaptainwithallmyheartandsoulandmight，andneverwilldeserthim，whileGodletsusbetogether。Oh，Mother，Ineverknewhowmuchlikeheaventhisworldcouldbe，whentwopeopleloveandliveforoneanother！"

"Andthat’sourcool，reserved，andworldlyAmy！Truly，lovedoesworkmiracles。Howvery，veryhappytheymustbe！"AndJolaidtherustlingsheetstogetherwithacarefulhand，asonemightshutthecoversofalovelyromance，whichholdsthereaderfasttilltheendcomes，andhefindshimselfaloneintheworkadayworldagain。

By—and—byJoroamedawayupstairs，foritwasrainy，andshecouldnotwalk。Arestlessspiritpossessedher，andtheoldfeelingcameagain，notbitterasitoncewas，butasorrowfullypatientwonderwhyonesistershouldhaveallsheasked，theothernothing。Itwasnottrue，sheknewthatandtriedtoputitaway，butthenaturalcravingforaffectionwasstrong，andAmy’shappinesswokethehungrylongingforsomeoneto`lovewithheartandsoul，andclingtowhileGodletthembetogether’。Upinthegarret，whereJo’sunquietwanderingsendedstoodfourlittlewoodenchestsinarow，eachmarkedwithitsownersname，andeachfilledwithrelicsofthechildhoodandgirlhoodendednowforall。Joglancedintothem，andwhenshecametoherown，leanedherchinontheedge，andstaredabsentlyatthechaoticcollection，tillabundleofoldexercisebookscaughthereye。Shedrewthemout，turnedthemover，andrelivedthatpleasantwinteratkindMrs。Kirke’s。Shehadsmiledatfirst，thenshelookedthoughtful，nextsad，andwhenshecametoalittlemessagewrittenintheProfessor’shand，herlipsbegantotremble，thebooksslidoutofherlap，andshesatlookingatthefriendlywords，astheytookanewmeaning，andtouchedatenderspotinherheart。