Somehow it seemed as if they could n't have got through the day without that , for whatever their mood might be , the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine . `` If Marmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us , it would serve us right , for more ungrateful wretches than we are were never seen , '' cried Jo , taking a remorseful satisfaction in the snowy walk and bitter wind . `` Do n't use such dreadful expressions , '' replied Meg from the depths of the veil in which she had shrouded herself like a nun sick of the world . `` I like good strong words that mean something , '' replied Jo , catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether . `` Call yourself any names you like , but I am neither a rascal nor a wretch and I do n't choose to be called so . '' `` You 're a blighted being , and decidedly cross today because you ca n't sit in the lap of luxury all the time . Poor dear , just wait till I make my fortune , and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers , and posies , and red-headed boys to dance with . '' `` How ridiculous you are , Jo ! '' But Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself . `` Lucky for you I am , for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal , as you do , we should be in a nice state . Thank goodness , I can always find something funny to keep me up . Do n't croak any more , but come home jolly , there 's a dear . '' Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the day , each going a different way , each hugging her little warm turnover , and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather , hard work , and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth . When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend , the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support , at least . Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy , industry , and independence , their parents consented , and both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last . Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt rich with her small salary . As she said , she was ` fond of luxury ' , and her chief trouble was poverty . She found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful , life full of ease and pleasure , and want of any kind unknown . She tried not to be envious or discontented , but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things , gay friends , accomplishments , and a happy life . At the Kings ' she daily saw all she wanted , for the children 's older sisters were just out , and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses and bouquets , heard lively gossip about theaters , concerts , sleighing parties , and merrymakings of all kinds , and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her .
Poor XXXXX seldom complained , but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes , for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy .
Jo March Margaret Marmee Meg daily merrymakings posies trifles wretches