The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family . The war is over , and Mr. March safely at home , busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace , a quiet , studious man , rich in the wisdom that is better than learning , the charity which calls all mankind ` brother ' , the piety that blossoms into character , making it august and lovely . These attributes , in spite of poverty and the strict integrity which shut him out from the more worldly successes , attracted to him many admirable persons , as naturally as sweet herbs draw bees , and as naturally he gave them the honey into which fifty years of hard experience had distilled no bitter drop . Earnest young men found the gray-headed scholar as young at heart as they ; thoughtful or troubled women instinctively brought their doubts to him , sure of finding the gentlest sympathy , the wisest counsel . Sinners told their sins to the pure-hearted old man and were both rebuked and saved . Gifted men found a companion in him . Ambitious men caught glimpses of nobler ambitions than their own , and even worldlings confessed that his beliefs were beautiful and true , although ` they would n't pay ' . To outsiders the five energetic women seemed to rule the house , and so they did in many things , but the quiet scholar , sitting among his books , was still the head of the family , the household conscience , anchor , and comforter , for to him the busy , anxious women always turned in troublous times , finding him , in the truest sense of those sacred words , husband and father . The girls gave their hearts into their mother 's keeping , their souls into their father 's , and to both parents , who lived and labored so faithfully for them , they gave a love that grew with their growth and bound them tenderly together by the sweetest tie which blesses life and outlives death . Mrs. March is as brisk and cheery , though rather grayer , than when we saw her last , and just now so absorbed in Meg 's affairs that the hospitals and homes still full of wounded ` boys ' and soldiers ' widows , decidedly miss the motherly missionary 's visits . John Brooke did his duty manfully for a year , got wounded , was sent home , and not allowed to return . He received no stars or bars , but he deserved them , for he cheerfully risked all he had , and life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom . Perfectly resigned to his discharge , he devoted himself to getting well , preparing for business , and earning a home for Meg . With the good sense and sturdy independence that characterized him , he refused Mr. Laurence 's more generous offers , and accepted the place of bookkeeper , feeling better satisfied to begin with an honestly earned salary than by running any risks with borrowed money . Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting , growing womanly in character , wise in housewifely arts , and prettier than ever , for love is a great beautifier . She had her girlish ambitions and hopes , and felt some disappointment at the humble way in which the new life must begin . Ned Moffat had just married Sallie Gardiner , and Meg could n't help contrasting their fine house and carriage , many gifts , and splendid outfit with her own , and secretly wishing she could have the same . But somehow envy and discontent soon vanished when she thought of all the patient love and labor John had put into the little home awaiting her , and when they sat together in the twilight , talking over their small plans , the future always grew so beautiful and bright that she forgot Sallie 's splendor and felt herself the richest , happiest girl in Christendom . Jo never went back to Aunt March , for the old lady took such a fancy to Amy that she bribed her with the offer of drawing lessons from one of the best teachers going , and for the sake of this advantage , Amy would have served a far harder mistress . So she gave her mornings to duty , her afternoons to pleasure , and prospered finely .
XXXXX meantime devoted herself to literature and Beth , who remained delicate long after the fever was a thing of the past .
Amy Gardiner Jo Laurence Meg Moffat beautifier comforter worldlings year