`` When , where , how ? '' asked Jo , in a fever of feminine interest and curiosity , for she could not realize it a particle . `` Six weeks ago , at the American consul 's , in Paris , a very quiet wedding of course , for even in our happiness we did n't forget dear little Beth . '' Jo put her hand in his as he said that , and Laurie gently smoothed the little red pillow , which he remembered well . `` Why did n't you let us know afterward ? '' asked Jo , in a quieter tone , when they had sat quite still a minute . `` We wanted to surprise you . We thought we were coming directly home , at first , but the dear old gentleman , as soon as we were married , found he could n't be ready under a month , at least , and sent us off to spend our honeymoon wherever we liked . Amy had once called Valrosa a regular honeymoon home , so we went there , and were as happy as people are but once in their lives . My faith ! Was n't it love among the roses ! '' Laurie seemed to forget Jo for a minute , and Jo was glad of it , for the fact that he told her these things so freely and so naturally assured her that he had quite forgiven and forgotten . She tried to draw away her hand , but as if he guessed the thought that prompted the half-involuntary impulse , Laurie held it fast , and said , with a manly gravity she had never seen in him before ... `` Jo , dear , I want to say one thing , and then we 'll put it by forever . As I told you in my letter when I wrote that Amy had been so kind to me , I never shall stop loving you , but the love is altered , and I have learned to see that it is better as it is . Amy and you changed places in my heart , that 's all . I think it was meant to be so , and would have come about naturally , if I had waited , as you tried to make me , but I never could be patient , and so I got a heartache . I was a boy then , headstrong and violent , and it took a hard lesson to show me my mistake . For it was one , Jo , as you said , and I found it out , after making a fool of myself . Upon my word , I was so tumbled up in my mind , at one time , that I did n't know which I loved best , you or Amy , and tried to love you both alike . But I could n't , and when I saw her in Switzerland , everything seemed to clear up all at once .
You both got into your right places , and I felt sure that it was well off with the old love before it was on with the new , that I could honestly share my heart between sister Jo and wife XXXXX , and love them dearly .
American Amy Beth Jo Laurie Paris Switzerland Valrosa heartache minute