Here we will say good-by to these girls and boys of ours as they sit together in the sunshine talking over a year that was to be for ever memorable to them , not because of any very remarkable events , but because they were just beginning to look about them as they stepped out of childhood into youth , and some of the experiences of the past months had set them to thinking , taught them to see the use and beauty of the small duties , joys , and sorrows which make up our lives , and inspired them to resolve that the coming year should be braver and brighter than the last . There are many such boys and girls , full of high hopes , lovely possibilities , and earnest plans , pausing a moment before they push their little boats from the safe shore . Chapter 1 . TEN YEARS LATER ` If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in ten years , I would n't have believed it , ' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg , as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day , looking about them with faces full of pride and pleasure . ` This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work . I am sure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he so generously endowed ; and a home like this will keep Aunt March 's memory green as long as it lasts , ' answered Mrs Meg , always glad to praise the absent . ` We used to believe in fairies , you remember , and plan what we 'd ask for if we could have three wishes . Does n't it seem as if mine had been really granted at last ? Money , fame , and plenty of the work I love , ' said Mrs Jo , carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands over her head just as she used to do when a girl . ' I have had mine , and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart 's content . If dear Marmee , John , and Beth were here , it would be quite perfect , ' added Meg , with a tender quiver in her voice ; for Marmee 's place was empty now . Jo put her hand on her sister 's , and both sat silent for a little while , surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad and happy thoughts . It certainly did look as if magic had been at work , for quiet Plumfield was transformed into a busy little world . The house seemed more hospitable than ever , refreshed now with new paint , added wings , well-kept lawn and garden , and a prosperous air it had not worn when riotous boys swarmed everywhere and it was rather difficult for the Bhaers to make both ends meet . On the hill , where kites used to be flown , stood the fine college which Mr Laurence 's munificent legacy had built . Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden by childish feet , and many young men and women were enjoying all the advantages that wealth , wisdom , and benevolence could give them . Just inside the gates of Plumfield a pretty brown cottage , very like the Dovecote , nestled among the trees , and on the green slope westward Laurie 's white-pillared mansion glittered in the sunshine ; for when the rapid growth of the city shut in the old house , spoilt Meg 's nest , and dared to put a soap-factory under Mr Laurence 's indignant nose , our friends emigrated to Plumfield , and the great changes began . These were the pleasant ones ; and the loss of the dear old people was sweetened by the blessings they left behind ; so all prospered now in the little community , and Mr Bhaer as president , and Mr March as chaplain of the college , saw their long-cherished dream beautifully realized . The sisters divided the care of the young people among them , each taking the part that suited her best . Meg was the motherly friend of the young women , Jo the confidante and defender of all the youths , and Amy the lady Bountiful who delicately smoothed the way for needy students , and entertained them all so cordially that it was no wonder they named her lovely home Mount Parnassus , so full was it of music , beauty , and the culture hungry young hearts and fancies long for .
The original twelve boys had of course scattered far and wide during these years , but all that lived still remembered old XXXXX , and came wandering back from the four quarters of the earth to tell their various experiences , laugh over the pleasures of the past , and face the duties of the present with fresh courage ; for such home-comings keep hearts tender and hands helpful with the memories of young and happy days .
Amy Bhaer Bhaers John Laurence Plumfield fro kites quiver year