`` Money is a good and useful thing , Jo , and I hope my girls will never feel the need of it too bitterly , nor be tempted by too much . I should like to know that John was firmly established in some good business , which gave him an income large enough to keep free from debt and make Meg comfortable . I 'm not ambitious for a splendid fortune , a fashionable position , or a great name for my girls . If rank and money come with love and virtue , also , I should accept them gratefully , and enjoy your good fortune , but I know , by experience , how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house , where the daily bread is earned , and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures . I am content to see Meg begin humbly , for if I am not mistaken , she will be rich in the possession of a good man 's heart , and that is better than a fortune . '' `` I understand , Mother , and quite agree , but I 'm disappointed about Meg , for I 'd planned to have her marry Teddy by-and-by and sit in the lap of luxury all her days . Would n't it be nice ? '' asked Jo , looking up with a brighter face . `` He is younger than she , you know , '' began Mrs. March , but Jo broke in ... `` Only a little , he 's old for his age , and tall , and can be quite grown-up in his manners if he likes . Then he 's rich and generous and good , and loves us all , and I say it 's a pity my plan is spoiled . '' `` I 'm afraid Laurie is hardly grown-up enough for Meg , and altogether too much of a weathercock just now for anyone to depend on . Do n't make plans , Jo , but let time and their own hearts mate your friends . We ca n't meddle safely in such matters , and had better not get ` romantic rubbish ' as you call it , into our heads , lest it spoil our friendship . '' `` Well , I wo n't , but I hate to see things going all crisscross and getting snarled up , when a pull here and a snip there would straighten it out . I wish wearing flatirons on our heads would keep us from growing up . But buds will be roses , and kittens cats , more 's the pity ! '' `` What 's that about flatirons and cats ? '' asked Meg , as she crept into the room with the finished letter in her hand . `` Only one of my stupid speeches . I 'm going to bed .
Come , Peggy , '' said XXXXX , unfolding herself like an animated puzzle .
Jo John Laurie Meg Mother crisscross daily flatirons snip weathercock