They were useful , pretty , or funny , a new standish on his table , a little vase for his flower , he always has one , or a bit of green in a glass , to keep him fresh , he says , and a holder for his blower , so that he need n't burn up what Amy calls ` mouchoirs ' . I made it like those Beth invented , a big butterfly with a fat body , and black and yellow wings , worsted feelers , and bead eyes . It took his fancy immensely , and he put it on his mantlepiece as an article of virtue , so it was rather a failure after all . Poor as he is , he did n't forget a servant or a child in the house , and not a soul here , from the French laundrywoman to Miss Norton forgot him . I was so glad of that . They got up a masquerade , and had a gay time New Year 's Eve . I did n't mean to go down , having no dress . But at the last minute , Mrs. Kirke remembered some old brocades , and Miss Norton lent me lace and feathers . So I dressed up as Mrs. Malaprop , and sailed in with a mask on . No one knew me , for I disguised my voice , and no one dreamed of the silent , haughty Miss March -LRB- for they think I am very stiff and cool , most of them , and so I am to whippersnappers -RRB- could dance and dress , and burst out into a ` nice derangement of epitaphs , like an allegory on the banks of the Nile ' . I enjoyed it very much , and when we unmasked it was fun to see them stare at me . I heard one of the young men tell another that he knew I 'd been an actress , in fact , he thought he remembered seeing me at one of the minor theaters . Meg will relish that joke . Mr. Bhaer was Nick Bottom , and Tina was Titania , a perfect little fairy in his arms . To see them dance was ` quite a landscape ' , to use a Teddyism . I had a very happy New Year , after all , and when I thought it over in my room , I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures , for I 'm cheerful all the time now , work with a will , and take more interest in other people than I used to , which is satisfactory . Bless you all ! Ever your loving ... Jo CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR FRIEND Though very happy in the social atmosphere about her , and very busy with the daily work that earned her bread and made it sweeter for the effort , Jo still found time for literary labors . The purpose which now took possession of her was a natural one to a poor and ambitious girl , but the means she took to gain her end were not the best . She saw that money conferred power , money and power , therefore , she resolved to have , not to be used for herself alone , but for those whom she loved more than life .
The dream of filling home with comforts , giving Beth everything she wanted , from strawberries in winter to an organ in her bedroom , going abroad herself , and always having more than enough , so that she might indulge in the luxury of charity , had been for years XXXXX 's most cherished castle in the air .
Beth Bottom Jo Meg Norton Teddyism Tina Titania daily whippersnappers