` Have you sons in the army ? ' I asked , for the note he brought was not to me . '' `` Yes , ma'am . I had four , but two were killed , one is a prisoner , and I 'm going to the other , who is very sick in a Washington hospital . ' he answered quietly . '' '' ` You have done a great deal for your country , sir , ' I said , feeling respect now , instead of pity . '' '' ` Not a mite more than I ought , ma'am . I 'd go myself , if I was any use . As I ai n't , I give my boys , and give 'em free . ' '' `` He spoke so cheerfully , looked so sincere , and seemed so glad to give his all , that I was ashamed of myself . I 'd given one man and thought it too much , while he gave four without grudging them . I had all my girls to comfort me at home , and his last son was waiting , miles away , to say good-by to him , perhaps ! I felt so rich , so happy thinking of my blessings , that I made him a nice bundle , gave him some money , and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me . '' `` Tell another story , Mother , one with a moral to it , like this . I like to think about them afterward , if they are real and not too preachy , '' said Jo , after a minute 's silence . Mrs. March smiled and began at once , for she had told stories to this little audience for many years , and knew how to please them . `` Once upon a time , there were four girls , who had enough to eat and drink and wear , a good many comforts and pleasures , kind friends and parents who loved them dearly , and yet they were not contented . '' -LRB- Here the listeners stole sly looks at one another , and began to sew diligently . -RRB- `` These girls were anxious to be good and made many excellent resolutions , but they did not keep them very well , and were constantly saying , ` If only we had this , ' or ` If we could only do that , ' quite forgetting how much they already had , and how many things they actually could do . So they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy , and she said , ` When you feel discontented , think over your blessings , and be grateful . ' ''
-LRB- Here XXXXX looked up quickly , as if about to speak , but changed her mind , seeing that the story was not done yet . -RRB-
Jo Mother Washington deal home lesson looks minute resolutions years