`` Very good ! Then I am quite satisfied with the experiment , and fancy that we shall not have to repeat it , only do n't go to the other extreme and delve like slaves . Have regular hours for work and play , make each day both useful and pleasant , and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well . Then youth will be delightful , old age will bring few regrets , and life become a beautiful success , in spite of poverty . '' `` We 'll remember , Mother ! '' and they did . CHAPTER TWELVE CAMP LAURENCE Beth was postmistress , for , being most at home , she could attend to it regularly , and dearly liked the daily task of unlocking the little door and distributing the mail . One July day she came in with her hands full , and went about the house leaving letters and parcels like the penny post . `` Here 's your posy , Mother ! Laurie never forgets that , '' she said , putting the fresh nosegay in the vase that stood in ` Marmee 's corner ' , and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy . `` Miss Meg March , one letter and a glove , '' continued Beth , delivering the articles to her sister , who sat near her mother , stitching wristbands . `` Why , I left a pair over there , and here is only one , '' said Meg , looking at the gray cotton glove . `` Did n't you drop the other in the garden ? '' `` No , I 'm sure I did n't , for there was only one in the office . '' `` I hate to have odd gloves ! Never mind , the other may be found . My letter is only a translation of the German song I wanted . I think Mr. Brooke did it , for this is n't Laurie 's writing . '' Mrs. March glanced at Meg , who was looking very pretty in her gingham morning gown , with the little curls blowing about her forehead , and very womanly , as she sat sewing at her little worktable , full of tidy white rolls , so unconscious of the thought in her mother 's mind as she sewed and sang , while her fingers flew and her thoughts were busied with girlish fancies as innocent and fresh as the pansies in her belt , that Mrs. March smiled and was satisfied . `` Two letters for Doctor Jo , a book , and a funny old hat , which covered the whole post office and stuck outside , '' said Beth , laughing as she went into the study where Jo sat writing .
`` What a sly fellow XXXXX is !
Brooke German Jo Laurie March Meg daily day nosegay postmistress