But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her half-finished manuscripts . An hour afterward her mother peeped in and there she was , scratching away , with her black pinafore on , and an absorbed expression , which caused Mrs. March to smile and slip away , well pleased with the success of her suggestion . Jo never knew how it happened , but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it , for when her family had laughed and cried over it , her father sent it , much against her will , to one of the popular magazines , and to her utter surprise , it was not only paid for , but others requested . Letters from several persons , whose praise was honor , followed the appearance of the little story , newspapers copied it , and strangers as well as friends admired it . For a small thing it was a great success , and Jo was more astonished than when her novel was commended and condemned all at once . `` I do n't understand it . What can there be in a simple little story like that to make people praise it so ? '' she said , quite bewildered . `` There is truth in it , Jo , that 's the secret . Humor and pathos make it alive , and you have found your style at last . You wrote with no thoughts of fame and money , and put your heart into it , my daughter . You have had the bitter , now comes the sweet . Do your best , and grow as happy as we are in your success . '' `` If there is anything good or true in what I write , it is n't mine . I owe it all to you and Mother and Beth , '' said Jo , more touched by her father 's words than by any amount of praise from the world . So taught by love and sorrow , Jo wrote her little stories , and sent them away to make friends for themselves and her , finding it a very charitable world to such humble wanderers , for they were kindly welcomed , and sent home comfortable tokens to their mother , like dutiful children whom good fortune overtakes . When Amy and Laurie wrote of their engagement , Mrs. March feared that Jo would find it difficult to rejoice over it , but her fears were soon set at rest , for though Jo looked grave at first , she took it very quietly , and was full of hopes and plans for ` the children ' before she read the letter twice . It was a sort of written duet , wherein each glorified the other in loverlike fashion , very pleasant to read and satisfactory to think of , for no one had any objection to make . `` You like it , Mother ? '' said Jo , as they laid down the closely written sheets and looked at one another .
`` Yes , I hoped it would be so , ever since XXXXX wrote that she had refused Fred .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie Mother family first hour magazines pinafore