`` I knew you were sincere then , Jo , but lately I have thought that if he came back , and asked again , you might perhaps , feel like giving another answer . Forgive me , dear , I ca n't help seeing that you are very lonely , and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart . So I fancied that your boy might fill the empty place if he tried now . '' `` No , Mother , it is better as it is , and I 'm glad Amy has learned to love him . But you are right in one thing . I am lonely , and perhaps if Teddy had tried again , I might have said ` Yes ' , not because I love him any more , but because I care more to be loved than when he went away . '' `` I 'm glad of that , Jo , for it shows that you are getting on . There are plenty to love you , so try to be satisfied with Father and Mother , sisters and brothers , friends and babies , till the best lover of all comes to give you your reward . '' `` 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 XXXXX !
Amy Father God Jo Laurie Marmee Mother Teddy right soul