A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done , and the love , respect , and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy . '' `` Oh , Mother , if I 'm ever half as good as you , I shall be satisfied , '' cried Jo , much touched . `` I hope you will be a great deal better , dear , but you must keep watch over your ` bosom enemy ' , as father calls it , or it may sadden , if not spoil your life . You have had a warning . Remember it , and try with heart and soul to master this quick temper , before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today . '' `` I will try , Mother , I truly will . But you must help me , remind me , and keep me from flying out . I used to see Father sometimes put his finger on his lips , and look at you with a very kind but sober face , and you always folded your lips tight and went away . Was he reminding you then ? '' asked Jo softly . `` Yes . I asked him to help me so , and he never forgot it , but saved me from many a sharp word by that little gesture and kind look . '' Jo saw that her mother 's eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke , and fearing that she had said too much , she whispered anxiously , `` Was it wrong to watch you and to speak of it ? I did n't mean to be rude , but it 's so comfortable to say all I think to you , and feel so safe and happy here . '' `` My Jo , you may say anything to your mother , for it is my greatest happiness and pride to feel that my girls confide in me and know how much I love them . '' `` I thought I 'd grieved you . '' `` No , dear , but speaking of Father reminded me how much I miss him , how much I owe him , and how faithfully I should watch and work to keep his little daughters safe and good for him . '' `` Yet you told him to go , Mother , and did n't cry when he went , and never complain now , or seem as if you needed any help , '' said Jo , wondering . `` I gave my best to the country I love , and kept my tears till he was gone . Why should I complain , when we both have merely done our duty and will surely be the happier for it in the end ?
If I do n't seem to need help , it is because I have a better friend , even than XXXXX , to comfort and sustain me .
Father Jo Mother children duty heart lips regret respect warning