It 's a splendid idea . Tell us all about it , '' cried Mr. Laurence , who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand , but knew that they would refuse his help . `` I knew you 'd stand by me , sir . Amy does too -- I see it in her eyes , though she prudently waits to turn it over in her mind before she speaks . Now , my dear people , '' continued Jo earnestly , `` just understand that this is n't a new idea of mine , but a long cherished plan . Before my Fritz came , I used to think how , when I 'd made my fortune , and no one needed me at home , I 'd hire a big house , and pick up some poor , forlorn little lads who had n't any mothers , and take care of them , and make life jolly for them before it was too late . I see so many going to ruin for want of help at the right minute , I love so to do anything for them , I seem to feel their wants , and sympathize with their troubles , and oh , I should so like to be a mother to them ! '' Mrs. March held out her hand to Jo , who took it , smiling , with tears in her eyes , and went on in the old enthusiastic way , which they had not seen for a long while . `` I told my plan to Fritz once , and he said it was just what he would like , and agreed to try it when we got rich . Bless his dear heart , he 's been doing it all his life -- helping poor boys , I mean , not getting rich , that he 'll never be . Money does n't stay in his pocket long enough to lay up any . But now , thanks to my good old aunt , who loved me better than I ever deserved , I 'm rich , at least I feel so , and we can live at Plumfield perfectly well , if we have a flourishing school . It 's just the place for boys , the house is big , and the furniture strong and plain . There 's plenty of room for dozens inside , and splendid grounds outside . They could help in the garden and orchard . Such work is healthy , is n't it , sir ? Then Fritz could train and teach in his own way , and Father will help him . I can feed and nurse and pet and scold them , and Mother will be my stand-by . I 've always longed for lots of boys , and never had enough , now I can fill the house full and revel in the little dears to my heart 's content . Think what luxury -- Plumfield my own , and a wilderness of boys to enjoy it with me . ''
As Jo waved her hands and gave a sigh of rapture , the family went off into a gale of merriment , and Mr. XXXXX laughed till they thought he 'd have an apoplectic fit .
Amy Father Fritz Jo Laurence Mother Plumfield dears help idea