She felt comforted at once by the sympathy and confidence given her . The knowledge that her mother had a fault like hers , and tried to mend it , made her own easier to bear and strengthened her resolution to cure it , though forty years seemed rather a long time to watch and pray to a girl of fifteen . `` Mother , are you angry when you fold your lips tight together and go out of the room sometimes , when Aunt March scolds or people worry you ? '' asked Jo , feeling nearer and dearer to her mother than ever before . `` Yes , I 've learned to check the hasty words that rise to my lips , and when I feel that they mean to break out against my will , I just go away for a minute , and give myself a little shake for being so weak and wicked , '' answered Mrs. March with a sigh and a smile , as she smoothed and fastened up Jo 's disheveled hair . `` How did you learn to keep still ? That is what troubles me , for the sharp words fly out before I know what I 'm about , and the more I say the worse I get , till it 's a pleasure to hurt people 's feelings and say dreadful things . Tell me how you do it , Marmee dear . '' `` My good mother used to help me ... '' `` As you do us ... '' interrupted Jo , with a grateful kiss . `` But I lost her when I was a little older than you are , and for years had to struggle on alone , for I was too proud to confess my weakness to anyone else . I had a hard time , Jo , and shed a good many bitter tears over my failures , for in spite of my efforts I never seemed to get on . Then your father came , and I was so happy that I found it easy to be good . But by-and-by , when I had four little daughters round me and we were poor , then the old trouble began again , for I am not patient by nature , and it tried me very much to see my children wanting anything . '' `` Poor Mother ! What helped you then ? '' `` Your father , Jo . He never loses patience , never doubts or complains , but always hopes , and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him . He helped and comforted me , and showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess , for I was their example . It was easier to try for your sakes than for my own . A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done , and the love , respect , and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy . ''
`` Oh , XXXXX , if I 'm ever half as good as you , I shall be satisfied , '' cried Jo , much touched .
Jo Marmee Mother lips minute patience respect sakes troubles years