The dear old boy wants Uncle 's consent , and then he will settle down to be a happy and an honest burgher . Long life to him ! ' ` I 'm glad to hear it . I do so like to settle my boys with a good wife and a nice little home . Now , if all is right , I shall feel as if Franz was off my mind , ' said Mrs Jo , folding her hands contentedly ; for she often felt like a distracted hen with a large brood of mixed chickens and ducks upon her hands . ` So do I , ' sighed Tom , with a sly glance at Nan . ` That 's what a fellow needs to keep him steady ; and it 's the duty of nice girls to marry as soon as possible , is n't it , Demi ? ' ` If there are enough nice fellows to go round . The female population exceeds the male , you know , especially in New England ; which accounts for the high state of culture we are in , perhaps , ' answered John , who was leaning over his mother 's chair , telling his day 's experiences in a whisper . ` It is a merciful provision , my dears ; for it takes three or four women to get each man into , through , and out of the world . You are costly creatures , boys ; and it is well that mothers , sisters , wives , and daughters love their duty and do it so well , or you would perish off the face of the earth , ' said Mrs Jo solemnly , as she took up a basket filled with dilapidated hose ; for the good Professor was still hard on his socks , and his sons resembled him in that respect . ` 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 XXXXX 's buttons and her collar under one ear .
Demi England John Nan Ted Tom day dears right spinster