`` It is so , Mother , and my great wish is to be to my husband and children what you have been to yours . Show me how , I 'll do anything you say . '' `` You always were my docile daughter . Well , dear , if I were you , I 'd let John have more to do with the management of Demi , for the boy needs training , and it 's none too soon to begin . Then I 'd do what I have often proposed , let Hannah come and help you . She is a capital nurse , and you may trust the precious babies to her while you do more housework . You need the exercise , Hannah would enjoy the rest , and John would find his wife again . Go out more , keep cheerful as well as busy , for you are the sunshine-maker of the family , and if you get dismal there is no fair weather . Then I 'd try to take an interest in whatever John likes -- talk with him , let him read to you , exchange ideas , and help each other in that way . Do n't shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman , but understand what is going on , and educate yourself to take your part in the world 's work , for it all affects you and yours . '' `` John is so sensible , I 'm afraid he will think I 'm stupid if I ask questions about politics and things . '' `` I do n't believe he would . Love covers a multitude of sins , and of whom could you ask more freely than of him ? Try it , and see if he does n't find your society far more agreeable than Mrs. Scott 's suppers . '' `` I will . Poor John ! I 'm afraid I have neglected him sadly , but I thought I was right , and he never said anything . '' `` He tried not to be selfish , but he has felt rather forlorn , I fancy . This is just the time , Meg , when young married people are apt to grow apart , and the very time when they ought to be most together , for the first tenderness soon wears off , unless care is taken to preserve it . And no time is so beautiful and precious to parents as the first years of the little lives given to them to train .
Do n't let XXXXX be a stranger to the babies , for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else , and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should .
Demi Hannah John Mother Scott bandbox first right sunshine-maker years