Mr March and the Professor retired to the study , Meg and Amy went to look after the little refection of fruit and cake which was to come , and Mrs Jo and Mr Laurie sat in the long window listening to the chat that went on outside . ` There they are , the flower of our flock ! ' she said , pointing to the group before them . ` The others are dead or scattered , but these seven boys and four girls are my especial comfort and pride . Counting Alice Heath , my dozen is made up , and my hands are full trying to guide these young lives as far as human skill can do it . ' ` When we remember how different they are , from what some of them came , and the home influences about others , I think we may feel pretty well satisfied so far , ' answered Mr Laurie soberly , as his eyes rested on one bright head among the black and brown ones , for the young moon shone alike on all . ' I do n't worry about the girls ; Meg sees to them , and is so wise and patient and tender they ca n't help doing well ; but my boys are more care every year , and seem to drift farther away from me each time they go , ' sighed Mrs Jo . ` They will grow up , and I can only hold them by one little thread , which may snap at any time , as it has with Jack and Ned . Dolly and George still like to come back , and I can say my word to them ; and dear old Franz is too true ever to forget his own . But the three who are soon going out into the world again I ca n't help worrying about . Emil 's good heart will keep him straight , I hope , and ' `` A sweet little cherub sits up aloft , To look out for the life of poor Jack . '' ' Nat is to make his first flight , and he 's weak in spite of your strengthening influence ; and Dan is still untamed . I fear it will take some hard lesson to do that . ' ` He 's a fine fellow , Jo , and I almost regret this farming project . A little polish would make a gentleman of him , and who knows what he might become here among us , ' answered Mr Laurie , leaning over Mrs Bhaer 's chair , just as he used to do years ago when they had mischievous secrets together . ` It would n't be safe , Teddy . Work and the free life he loves will make a good man of him , and that is better than any amount of polish , with the dangers an easy life in a city would bring him . We ca n't change his nature -- only help it to develop in the right direction . The old impulses are there , and must be controlled , or he will go wrong . I see that ; but his love for us is a safeguard , and we must keep a hold on him till he is older or has a stronger tie to help him . '
Mrs Jo spoke earnestly , for , knowing XXXXX better than anyone else , she saw that her colt was not thoroughly broken yet , and feared while she hoped , knowing that life would always be hard for one like him .
Amy Dan Emil Laurie Mr Professor cherub refection right year