Jo looked up and Jo looked down , then said slowly , with sudden color in her cheeks . `` It may be vain and wrong to say it , but -- I 'm afraid -- Laurie is getting too fond of me . '' `` Then you do n't care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you ? '' and Mrs. March looked anxious as she put the question . `` Mercy , no ! I love the dear boy , as I always have , and am immensely proud of him , but as for anything more , it 's out of the question . '' `` I 'm glad of that , Jo . '' `` Why , please ? '' `` Because , dear , I do n't think you suited to one another . As friends you are very happy , and your frequent quarrels soon blow over , but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life . You are too much alike and too fond of freedom , not to mention hot tempers and strong wills , to get on happily together , in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance , as well as love . '' `` That 's just the feeling I had , though I could n't express it . I 'm glad you think he is only beginning to care for me . It would trouble me sadly to make him unhappy , for I could n't fall in love with the dear old fellow merely out of gratitude , could I ? '' `` You are sure of his feeling for you ? '' The color deepened in Jo 's cheeks as she answered , with the look of mingled pleasure , pride , and pain which young girls wear when speaking of first lovers , `` I 'm afraid it is so , Mother . He has n't said anything , but he looks a great deal . I think I had better go away before it comes to anything . '' `` I agree with you , and if it can be managed you shall go . '' Jo looked relieved , and after a pause , said , smiling , `` How Mrs. Moffat would wonder at your want of management , if she knew , and how she will rejoice that Annie may still hope . ''
`` Ah , XXXXX , mothers may differ in their management , but the hope is the same in all -- the desire to see their children happy .
Annie Jo Laurie Moffat Mother color fall first forbearance love