cried the family , all in one breath as they clustered about Jo , for these foolish , affectionate people made a jubilee of every little household joy . `` Stop jabbering , girls , and I 'll tell you everything , '' said Jo , wondering if Miss Burney felt any grander over her Evelina than she did over her ` Rival Painters ' . Having told how she disposed of her tales , Jo added , `` And when I went to get my answer , the man said he liked them both , but did n't pay beginners , only let them print in his paper , and noticed the stories . It was good practice , he said , and when the beginners improved , anyone would pay . So I let him have the two stories , and today this was sent to me , and Laurie caught me with it and insisted on seeing it , so I let him . And he said it was good , and I shall write more , and he 's going to get the next paid for , and I am so happy , for in time I may be able to support myself and help the girls . '' Jo 's breath gave out here , and wrapping her head in the paper , she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears , for to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart , and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy end . CHAPTER FIFTEEN A TELEGRAM `` November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year , '' said Margaret , standing at the window one dull afternoon , looking out at the frostbitten garden . `` That 's the reason I was born in it , '' observed Jo pensively , quite unconscious of the blot on her nose . `` If something very pleasant should happen now , we should think it a delightful month , '' said Beth , who took a hopeful view of everything , even November . `` I dare say , but nothing pleasant ever does happen in this family , '' said Meg , who was out of sorts . `` We go grubbing along day after day , without a bit of change , and very little fun . We might as well be in a treadmill . '' `` My patience , how blue we are ! '' cried Jo . `` I do n't much wonder , poor dear , for you see other girls having splendid times , while you grind , grind , year in and year out . Oh , do n't I wish I could manage things for you as I do for my heroines ! You 're pretty enough and good enough already , so I 'd have some rich relation leave you a fortune unexpectedly . Then you 'd dash out as an heiress , scorn everyone who has slighted you , go abroad , and come home my Lady Something in a blaze of splendor and elegance . '' `` People do n't have fortunes left them in that style nowadays , men have to work and women marry for money .
It 's a dreadfully unjust world , '' said XXXXX bitterly .
Burney Jo Laurie Meg afternoon heroines independent jubilee left month