`` How ridiculous you are , Jo ! '' But Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself . `` Lucky for you I am , for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal , as you do , we should be in a nice state . Thank goodness , I can always find something funny to keep me up . Do n't croak any more , but come home jolly , there 's a dear . '' Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the day , each going a different way , each hugging her little warm turnover , and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather , hard work , and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth . When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend , the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support , at least . Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy , industry , and independence , their parents consented , and both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last . Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt rich with her small salary . As she said , she was ` fond of luxury ' , and her chief trouble was poverty . She found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful , life full of ease and pleasure , and want of any kind unknown . She tried not to be envious or discontented , but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things , gay friends , accomplishments , and a happy life . At the Kings ' she daily saw all she wanted , for the children 's older sisters were just out , and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses and bouquets , heard lively gossip about theaters , concerts , sleighing parties , and merrymakings of all kinds , and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her . Poor Meg seldom complained , but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes , for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy . Jo happened to suit Aunt March , who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her . The childless old lady had offered to adopt one of the girls when the troubles came , and was much offended because her offer was declined . Other friends told the Marches that they had lost all chance of being remembered in the rich old lady 's will , but the unworldly Marches only said ... `` We ca n't give up our girls for a dozen fortunes . Rich or poor , we will keep together and be happy in one another . '' The old lady would n't speak to them for a time , but happening to meet Jo at a friend 's , something in her comical face and blunt manners struck the old lady 's fancy , and she proposed to take her for a companion . This did not suit Jo at all , but she accepted the place since nothing better appeared and , to every one 's surprise , got on remarkably well with her irascible relative .
There was an occasional tempest , and once XXXXX marched home , declaring she could n't bear it longer , but Aunt March always cleared up quickly , and sent for her to come back again with such urgency that she could not refuse , for in her heart she rather liked the peppery old lady .
Jo Kings March Margaret Meg Mr. daily fancy merrymakings trifles