And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly , and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow . `` Mother , do you have ` plans ' , as Mrs. Moffat said ? '' asked Meg bashfully . `` Yes , my dear , I have a great many , all mothers do , but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat 's , I suspect . I will tell you some of them , for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right , on a very serious subject . You are young , Meg , but not too young to understand me , and mothers ' lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like you . Jo , your turn will come in time , perhaps , so listen to my ` plans ' and help me carry them out , if they are good . '' Jo went and sat on one arm of the chair , looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affair . Holding a hand of each , and watching the two young faces wistfully , Mrs. March said , in her serious yet cheery way ... `` I want my daughters to be beautiful , accomplished , and good . To be admired , loved , and respected . To have a happy youth , to be well and wisely married , and to lead useful , pleasant lives , with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send . To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman , and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience . It is natural to think of it , Meg , right to hope and wait for it , and wise to prepare for it , so that when the happy time comes , you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy . My dear girls , I am ambitious for you , but not to have you make a dash in the world , marry rich men merely because they are rich , or have splendid houses , which are not homes because love is wanting . Money is a needful and precious thing , and when well used , a noble thing , but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for . I 'd rather see you poor men 's wives , if you were happy , beloved , contented , than queens on thrones , without self-respect and peace . '' `` Poor girls do n't stand any chance , Belle says , unless they put themselves forward , '' sighed Meg . `` Then we 'll be old maids , '' said Jo stoutly . `` Right , Jo . Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives , or unmaidenly girls , running about to find husbands , '' said Mrs. March decidedly .
`` Do n't be troubled , XXXXX , poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover .
Belle Jo Meg Moffat Mother Right affair dash first fortnight