` Such being the case , there is plenty for the `` superfluous women '' to do , in taking care of these helpless men and their families . I see that more clearly every day , and am very glad and grateful that my profession will make me a useful , happy , and independent spinster . ' Nan 's emphasis on the last word caused Tom to groan , and the rest to laugh . ' I take great pride and solid satisfaction in you , Nan , and hope to see you very successful ; for we do need just such helpful women in the world . I sometimes feel as if I 've missed my vocation and ought to have remained single ; but my duty seemed to point this way , and I do n't regret it , ' said Mrs Jo , folding a large and very ragged blue sock to her bosom . ` Neither do I . What should I ever have done without my dearest Mum ? ' added Ted , with a filial hug which caused both to disappear behind the newspaper in which he had been mercifully absorbed for a few minutes . ` My darling boy , if you would wash your hands semi-occasionally , fond caresses would be less disastrous to my collar . Never mind , my precious touslehead , better grass stains and dirt than no cuddlings at all ' ; and Mrs Jo emerged from that brief eclipse looking much refreshed , though her back hair was caught in Ted 's buttons and her collar under one ear . Here Josie , who had been studying her part at the other end of the piazza , suddenly burst forth with a smothered shriek , and gave Juliet 's speech in the tomb so effectively that the boys applauded , Daisy shivered , and Nan murmured : ` Too much cerebral excitement for one of her age . ' ` I 'm afraid you 'll have to make up your mind to it , Meg . That child is a born actress . We never did anything so well , not even the Witch 's Curse , ' said Mrs Jo , casting a bouquet of many-coloured socks at the feet of her flushed and panting niece , when she fell gracefully upon the door-mat . ` It is a sort of judgement upon me for my passion for the stage when a girl . Now I know how dear Marmee felt when I begged to be an actress . I never can consent , and yet I may be obliged to give up my wishes , hopes , and plans again . ' There was an accent of reproach in his mother 's voice , which made Demi pick up his sister with a gentle shake , and the stern command to ` drop that nonsense in public ' . ` Drop me , Minion , or I 'll give you the Maniac Bride , with my best Ha-ha ! ' cried Josie , glaring at him like an offended kitten .
Being set on her feet , she made a splendid courtesy , and dramatically proclaiming , ` Mrs Woffington 's carriage waits , ' swept down the steps and round the corner , trailing XXXXX 's scarlet shawl majestically behind her .
Daisy Demi Jo Juliet Meg Minion Tom minutes spinster touslehead