`` How can it fail to work well when I have so much help from you all ? '' answered Mrs. Jo , looking gratefully at her most generous patron . `` It is the best joke of the family , this school of yours and its success . So unlike the future we planned for you , and yet so suited to you after all . It was a regular inspiration , Jo , '' said Laurie , dodging her thanks as usual . `` Ah ! but you laughed at it in the beginning , and still make all manner of fun of me and my inspirations . Did n't you predict that having girls with the boys would be a dead failure ? Now see how well it works ; '' and she pointed to the happy group of lads and lassies dancing , singing , and chattering together with every sign of kindly good fellowship . `` I give in , and when my Goldilocks is old enough I 'll send her to you . Can I say more than that ? '' `` I shall be so proud to have your little treasure trusted to me . But really , Teddy , the effect of these girls has been excellent . I know you will laugh at me , but I do n't mind , I 'm used to it ; so I 'll tell you that one of my favorite fancies is to look at my family as a small world , to watch the progress of my little men , and , lately , to see how well the influence of my little women works upon them . Daisy is the domestic element , and they all feel the charm of her quiet , womanly ways . Nan is the restless , energetic , strong-minded one ; they admire her courage , and give her a fair chance to work out her will , seeing that she has sympathy as well as strength , and the power to do much in their small world . Your Bess is the lady , full of natural refinement , grace , and beauty . She polishes them unconsciously , and fills her place as any lovely woman may , using her gentle influence to lift and hold them above the coarse , rough things of life , and keep them gentlemen in the best sense of the fine old word . '' `` It is not always the ladies who do that best , Jo . It is sometimes the strong brave woman who stirs up the boy and makes a man of him ; '' and Laurie bowed to her with a significant laugh .
`` No ; I think the graceful woman , whom the boy you allude to married , has done more for him than the wild Nan of his youth ; or , better still , the wise , motherly woman who watched over him , as Daisy watches over Demi , did more to make him what he is ; '' and XXXXX turned toward her mother , who sat a little apart with Meg , looking so full of the sweet dignity and beauty of old age , that Laurie gave her a glance of filial respect and love as he replied , in serious earnest , `` All three did much for him , and I can understand how well these little girls will help your lads . ''
Daisy Goldilocks Jo Laurie Nan Teddy help ladies lassies laugh