she asked , as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her with brightening faces , as flowers turn toward the sun . `` I do n't ! '' cried Jo decidedly . `` Nor I , '' echoed the others . `` You think then , that it is better to have a few duties and live a little for others , do you ? '' `` Lounging and larking does n't pay , '' observed Jo , shaking her head . `` I 'm tired of it and mean to go to work at something right off . '' `` Suppose you learn plain cooking . That 's a useful accomplishment , which no woman should be without , '' said Mrs. March , laughing inaudibly at the recollection of Jo 's dinner party , for she had met Miss Crocker and heard her account of it . `` Mother , did you go away and let everything be , just to see how we 'd get on ? '' cried Meg , who had had suspicions all day . `` Yes , I wanted you to see how the comfort of all depends on each doing her share faithfully . While Hannah and I did your work , you got on pretty well , though I do n't think you were very happy or amiable . So I thought , as a little lesson , I would show you what happens when everyone thinks only of herself . Do n't you feel that it is pleasanter to help one another , to have daily duties which make leisure sweet when it comes , and to bear and forbear , that home may be comfortable and lovely to us all ? '' `` We do , Mother , we do ! '' cried the girls . `` Then let me advise you to take up your little burdens again , for though they seem heavy sometimes , they are good for us , and lighten as we learn to carry them . Work is wholesome , and there is plenty for everyone . It keeps us from ennui and mischief , is good for health and spirits , and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion . ''
`` We 'll work like bees , and love it too , see if we do n't , '' said XXXXX .
Crocker Hannah Jo Meg Mother daily day ennui larking right