I 've begun to model a figure of baby , and Laurie says it is the best thing I 've ever done . I think so , myself , and mean to do it in marble , so that , whatever happens , I may at least keep the image of my little angel . '' As Amy spoke , a great tear dropped on the golden hair of the sleeping child in her arms , for her one well-beloved daughter was a frail little creature and the dread of losing her was the shadow over Amy 's sunshine . This cross was doing much for both father and mother , for one love and sorrow bound them closely together . Amy 's nature was growing sweeter , deeper , and more tender . Laurie was growing more serious , strong , and firm , and both were learning that beauty , youth , good fortune , even love itself , can not keep care and pain , loss and sorrow , from the most blessed for ... Into each life some rain must fall , Some days must be dark and sad and dreary . `` She is growing better , I am sure of it , my dear . Do n't despond , but hope and keep happy , '' said Mrs. March , as tenderhearted Daisy stooped from her knee to lay her rosy cheek against her little cousin 's pale one . `` I never ought to , while I have you to cheer me up , Marmee , and Laurie to take more than half of every burden , '' replied Amy warmly . `` He never lets me see his anxiety , but is so sweet and patient with me , so devoted to Beth , and such a stay and comfort to me always that I ca n't love him enough . So , in spite of my one cross , I can say with Meg , ` Thank God , I 'm a happy woman . ' '' `` There 's no need for me to say it , for everyone can see that I 'm far happier than I deserve , '' added Jo , glancing from her good husband to her chubby children , tumbling on the grass beside her . `` Fritz is getting gray and stout . I 'm growing as thin as a shadow , and am thirty . We never shall be rich , and Plumfield may burn up any night , for that incorrigible Tommy Bangs will smoke sweet-fern cigars under the bed-clothes , though he 's set himself afire three times already . But in spite of these unromantic facts , I have nothing to complain of , and never was so jolly in my life . Excuse the remark , but living among boys , I ca n't help using their expressions now and then . '' `` Yes , Jo , I think your harvest will be a good one , '' began Mrs. March , frightening away a big black cricket that was staring Teddy out of countenance . `` Not half so good as yours , Mother . Here it is , and we never can thank you enough for the patient sowing and reaping you have done , '' cried Jo , with the loving impetuosity which she never would outgrow .
`` I hope there will be more wheat and fewer tares every year , '' said XXXXX softly .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie Marmee Meg Mother burn fall impetuosity