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 Amy softly . `` A large sheaf , but I know there 's room in your heart for it , Marmee dear , '' added Meg 's tender voice . MARJORIE 'S THREE GIFTS Marjorie sat on the door-step , shelling peas , quite unconscious what a pretty picture she made , with the roses peeping at her through the lattice work of the porch , the wind playing hide-and-seek in her curly hair , while the sunshine with its silent magic changed her faded gingham to a golden gown , and shimmered on the bright tin pan as if it were a silver shield . Old Rover lay at her feet , the white kitten purred on her shoulder , and friendly robins hopped about her in the grass , chirping `` A happy birthday , Marjorie ! '' But the little maid neither saw nor heard , for her eyes were fixed on the green pods , and her thoughts were far away . She was recalling the fairy-tale granny told her last night , and wishing with all her heart that such things happened nowadays . For in this story , as a poor girl like herself sat spinning before the door , a Brownie came by , and gave the child a good-luck penny ; then a fairy passed , and left a talisman which would keep her always happy ; and last of all , the prince rolled up in his chariot , and took her away to reign with him over a lovely kingdom , as a reward for her many kindnesses to others .
When XXXXX imagined this part of the story , it was impossible to help giving one little sigh , and for a minute she forgot her work , so busy was she thinking what beautiful presents she would give to all the poor children in her realm when THEY had birthdays .
Amy Laurie Marjorie Plumfield bed-clothes burn hide-and-seek impetuosity robins talisman