`` Mothers are the best lovers in the world , but I do n't mind whispering to Marmee that I 'd like to try all kinds . It 's very curious , but the more I try to satisfy myself with all sorts of natural affections , the more I seem to want . I 'd no idea hearts could take in so many . Mine is so elastic , it never seems full now , and I used to be quite contented with my family . I do n't understand it . '' `` I do , '' and Mrs. March smiled her wise smile , as Jo turned back the leaves to read what Amy said of Laurie . `` It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me . He is n't sentimental , does n't say much about it , but I see and feel it in all he says and does , and it makes me so happy and so humble that I do n't seem to be the same girl I was . I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now , for he lets me read his heart , and I find it full of noble impulses and hopes and purposes , and am so proud to know it 's mine . He says he feels as if he ` could make a prosperous voyage now with me aboard as mate , and lots of love for ballast ' . I pray he may , and try to be all he believes me , for I love my gallant captain with all my heart and soul and might , and never will desert him , while God lets us be together . Oh , Mother , I never knew how much like heaven this world could be , when two people love and live for one another ! '' `` And that 's our cool , reserved , and worldly Amy ! Truly , love does work miracles . How very , very happy they must be ! '' and Jo laid the rustling sheets together with a careful hand , as one might shut the covers of a lovely romance , which holds the reader fast till the end comes , and he finds himself alone in the workaday world again . By-and-by Jo roamed away upstairs , for it was rainy , and she could not walk . A restless spirit possessed her , and the old feeling came again , not bitter as it once was , but a sorrowfully patient wonder why one sister should have all she asked , the other nothing . It was not true , she knew that and tried to put it away , but the natural craving for affection was strong , and Amy 's happiness woke the hungry longing for someone to ` love with heart and soul , and cling to while God let them be together ' . Up in the garret , where Jo 's unquiet wanderings ended stood four little wooden chests in a row , each marked with its owners name , and each filled with relics of the childhood and girlhood ended now for all .
XXXXX glanced into them , and when she came to her own , leaned her chin on the edge , and stared absently at the chaotic collection , till a bundle of old exercise books caught her eye .
Amy Jo Laurie Marmee Mother family garret girlhood love relics