I 'll wear it for fun , and show him I do n't care for the fashion . '' And hanging the antique broad-brim on a bust of Plato , Jo read her letters . One from her mother made her cheeks glow and her eyes fill , for it said to her ... My Dear : I write a little word to tell you with how much satisfaction I watch your efforts to control your temper . You say nothing about your trials , failures , or successes , and think , perhaps , that no one sees them but the Friend whose help you daily ask , if I may trust the well-worn cover of your guidebook . I , too , have seen them all , and heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution , since it begins to bear fruit . Go on , dear , patiently and bravely , and always believe that no one sympathizes more tenderly with you than your loving ... Mother `` That does me good ! That 's worth millions of money and pecks of praise . Oh , Marmee , I do try ! I will keep on trying , and not get tired , since I have you to help me . '' Laying her head on her arms , Jo wet her little romance with a few happy tears , for she had thought that no one saw and appreciated her efforts to be good , and this assurance was doubly precious , doubly encouraging , because unexpected and from the person whose commendation she most valued . Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon , she pinned the note inside her frock , as a shield and a reminder , lest she be taken unaware , and proceeded to open her other letter , quite ready for either good or bad news . In a big , dashing hand , Laurie wrote ... Dear Jo , What ho ! Some English girls and boys are coming to see me tomorrow and I want to have a jolly time . If it 's fine , I 'm going to pitch my tent in Longmeadow , and row up the whole crew to lunch and croquet -- have a fire , make messes , gypsy fashion , and all sorts of larks . They are nice people , and like such things . Brooke will go to keep us boys steady , and Kate Vaughn will play propriety for the girls . I want you all to come , ca n't let Beth off at any price , and nobody shall worry her . Do n't bother about rations , I 'll see to that and everything else , only do come , there 's a good fellow ! In a tearing hurry , Yours ever , Laurie . `` Here 's richness ! ''
cried XXXXX , flying in to tell the news to Meg .
Beth Jo Longmeadow Marmee Mother Plato broad-brim croquet daily fire