Jo had got so far , she was learning to do her duty , and to feel unhappy if she did not , but to do it cheerfully , ah , that was another thing ! She had often said she wanted to do something splendid , no matter how hard , and now she had her wish , for what could be more beautiful than to devote her life to Father and Mother , trying to make home as happy to them as they had to her ? And if difficulties were necessary to increase the splendor of the effort , what could be harder for a restless , ambitious girl than to give up her own hopes , plans , and desires , and cheerfully live for others ? Providence had taken her at her word . Here was the task , not what she had expected , but better because self had no part in it . Now , could she do it ? She decided that she would try , and in her first attempt she found the helps I have suggested . Still another was given her , and she took it , not as a reward , but as a comfort , as Christian took the refreshment afforded by the little arbor where he rested , as he climbed the hill called Difficulty . `` Why do n't you write ? That always used to make you happy , '' said her mother once , when the desponding fit over-shadowed Jo . `` I 've no heart to write , and if I had , nobody cares for my things . '' `` We do . Write something for us , and never mind the rest of the world . Try it , dear . I 'm sure it would do you good , and please us very much . '' `` Do n't believe I can . '' But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her half-finished manuscripts . An hour afterward her mother peeped in and there she was , scratching away , with her black pinafore on , and an absorbed expression , which caused Mrs. March to smile and slip away , well pleased with the success of her suggestion . Jo never knew how it happened , but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it , for when her family had laughed and cried over it , her father sent it , much against her will , to one of the popular magazines , and to her utter surprise , it was not only paid for , but others requested . Letters from several persons , whose praise was honor , followed the appearance of the little story , newspapers copied it , and strangers as well as friends admired it .
For a small thing it was a great success , and XXXXX was more astonished than when her novel was commended and condemned all at once .
Christian Father Jo Mother Providence first heart hour pinafore something