`` So I say , for there 's been a Declaration of Independence and a Revolution in our house , and I 'm commander-in-chief now ; and do n't I like it ! '' cried Molly , complacently surveying the neat new uniform she wore of her own choosing . `` I feel as if I never learned so much in my life as I have since last December , and yet I never did so little , '' added Jill , wondering why the months of weariness and pain did not seem more dreadful to her . `` Well , pitching on my head seems to have given me a good shaking up , somehow , and I mean to do great things next year in better ways than breaking my bones coasting , '' said Jack , with a manly air . `` I feel like a Siamese twin without his mate now you are gone , but I 'm under orders for a while , and mean to do my best . Guess it wo n't be lost time ; '' and Frank nodded at Gus , who nodded back with the slightly superior expression all Freshmen wear . `` Hope you wo n't find it so . My work is all cut out for me , and I intend to go in and win , though it is more of a grind than you fellows know . '' `` I 'm sure I have everything to be grateful for . It wo n't be plain sailing -- I do n't expect it ; but , if I live , I 'll do something to be proud of , '' said Ralph , squaring his shoulders as if to meet and conquer all obstacles as he looked into the glowing west , which was not fairer than his ambitious dreams . Here we will say good-by to these girls and boys of ours as they sit together in the sunshine talking over a year that was to be for ever memorable to them , not because of any very remarkable events , but because they were just beginning to look about them as they stepped out of childhood into youth , and some of the experiences of the past months had set them to thinking , taught them to see the use and beauty of the small duties , joys , and sorrows which make up our lives , and inspired them to resolve that the coming year should be braver and brighter than the last . There are many such boys and girls , full of high hopes , lovely possibilities , and earnest plans , pausing a moment before they push their little boats from the safe shore . Chapter 1 . TEN YEARS LATER ` If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in ten years , I would n't have believed it , ' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg , as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day , looking about them with faces full of pride and pleasure . ` This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work . I am sure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he so generously endowed ; and a home like this will keep Aunt March 's memory green as long as it lasts , ' answered Mrs Meg , always glad to praise the absent . ` We used to believe in fairies , you remember , and plan what we 'd ask for if we could have three wishes . Does n't it seem as if mine had been really granted at last ? Money , fame , and plenty of the work I love , ' said Mrs Jo , carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands over her head just as she used to do when a girl . ' I have had mine , and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart 's content .
If dear Marmee , John , and Beth were here , it would be quite perfect , ' added XXXXX , with a tender quiver in her voice ; for Marmee 's place was empty now .
Jack Laurence Meg Plumfield Ralph Siamese day months year years