I hope I shall never have to shut the gates of Plumfield upon you , as I have on some of your `` gentlemen '' . I mean to keep my boys and girls safe if I can , and this a wholesome place where the good old-fashioned virtues are lived and taught . ' Much impressed by that dire threat , Dolly helped her from her perch with deep respect ; and Stuffy relieved her of her empty jugs , solemnly vowing to abstain from all fermented beverages except root-beer , as long as feeble flesh could hold out . Of course they made light of ` Mother Bhaer 's lecture ' when they were alone -- that was to be expected of ` men of our class ' but in their secret souls they thanked her for giving their boyish consciences a jog , and more than once afterward had cause to remember gratefully that half-hour in the tennis court . Chapter 17 . AMONG THE MAIDS Although this story is about Jo 's boys , her girls can not be neglected , because they held a high place in this little republic , and especial care was taken to fit them to play their parts worthily in the great republic which offered them wider opportunities and more serious duties . To many the social influence was the better part of the training they received ; for education is not confined to books , and the finest characters often graduate from no college , but make experience their master , and life their book . Others cared only for the mental culture , and were in danger of over-studying , under the delusion which pervades New England that learning must be had at all costs , forgetting that health and real wisdom are better . A third class of ambitious girls hardly knew what they wanted , but were hungry for whatever could fit them to face the world and earn a living , being driven by necessity , the urgency of some half-conscious talent , or the restlessness of strong young natures to break away from the narrow life which no longer satisfied . At Plumfield all found something to help them ; for the growing institution had not yet made its rules as fixed as the laws of the Medes and Persians , and believed so heartily in the right of all sexes , colours , creeds , and ranks to education , that there was room for everyone who knocked , and a welcome to the shabby youths from up country , the eager girls from the West , the awkward freedman or woman from the South , or the well-born student whose poverty made this college a possibility when other doors were barred . There still was prejudice , ridicule , neglect in high places , and prophecies of failure to contend against ; but the Faculty was composed of cheerful , hopeful men and women who had seen greater reforms spring from smaller roots , and after stormy seasons blossom beautifully , to add prosperity and honour to the nation . So they worked on steadily and bided their time , full of increasing faith in their attempt as year after year their numbers grew , their plans succeeded , and the sense of usefulness in this most vital of all professions blessed them with its sweet rewards . Among the various customs which had very naturally sprung up was one especially useful and interesting to ` the girls ' , as the young women liked to be called . It all grew out of the old sewing hour still kept up by the three sisters long after the little work-boxes had expanded into big baskets full of household mending . They were busy women , yet on Saturdays they tried to meet in one of the three sewing-rooms ; for even classic Parnassus had its nook where Mrs Amy often sat among her servants , teaching them to make and mend , thereby giving them a respect for economy , since the rich lady did not scorn to darn her hose , and sew on buttons . In these household retreats , with books and work , and their daughters by them , they read and sewed and talked in the sweet privacy that domestic women love , and can make so helpful by a wise mixture of cooks and chemistry , table linen and theology , prosaic duties and good poetry . Mrs Meg was the first to propose enlarging this little circle ; for as she went her motherly rounds among the young women she found a sad lack of order , skill , and industry in this branch of education . Latin , Greek , the higher mathematics , and science of all sorts prospered finely ; but the dust gathered on the work-baskets , frayed elbows went unheeded , and some of the blue stockings sadly needed mending . Anxious lest the usual sneer at learned women should apply to ` our girls ' , she gently lured two or three of the most untidy to her house , and made the hour so pleasant , the lesson so kindly , that they took the hint , were grateful for the favour , and asked to come again . Others soon begged to make the detested weekly duty lighter by joining the party , and soon it was a privilege so much desired that the old museum was refitted with sewing-machines , tables , rocking-chair , and a cheerful fireplace , so that , rain or shine , the needles might go on undisturbed .
Here Mrs XXXXX was in her glory , and stood wielding her big shears like a queen as she cut out white work , fitted dresses , and directed Daisy , her special aide , about the trimming of hats , and completing the lace and ribbon trifles which add grace to the simplest costume and save poor or busy girls so much money and time .
Amy England Greek Meg Parnassus South hour sewing-machines sewing-rooms work-baskets