`` Well , I had a talk with Marmee the other day , and told her how nervous and cross and out of sorts I felt , and she said I needed change and less care , so Hannah is to help me with the children , and I 'm to see to things about the house more , and now and then have a little fun , just to keep me from getting to be a fidgety , broken-down old woman before my time . It 's only an experiment , John , and I want to try it for your sake as much as for mine , because I 've neglected you shamefully lately , and I 'm going to make home what it used to be , if I can . You do n't object , I hope ? '' Never mind what John said , or what a very narrow escape the little bonnet had from utter ruin . All that we have any business to know is that John did not appear to object , judging from the changes which gradually took place in the house and its inmates . It was not all Paradise by any means , but everyone was better for the division of labor system . The children throve under the paternal rule , for accurate , steadfast John brought order and obedience into Babydom , while Meg recovered her spirits and composed her nerves by plenty of wholesome exercise , a little pleasure , and much confidential conversation with her sensible husband . Home grew homelike again , and John had no wish to leave it , unless he took Meg with him . The Scotts came to the Brookes ' now , and everyone found the little house a cheerful place , full of happiness , content , and family love . Even Sallie Moffatt liked to go there . `` It is always so quiet and pleasant here , it does me good , Meg , '' she used to say , looking about her with wistful eyes , as if trying to discover the charm , that she might use it in her great house , full of splendid loneliness , for there were no riotous , sunny-faced babies there , and Ned lived in a world of his own , where there was no place for her . This household happiness did not come all at once , but John and Meg had found the key to it , and each year of married life taught them how to use it , unlocking the treasuries of real home love and mutual helpfulness , which the poorest may possess , and the richest can not buy . This is the sort of shelf on which young wives and mothers may consent to be laid , safe from the restless fret and fever of the world , finding loyal lovers in the little sons and daughters who cling to them , undaunted by sorrow , poverty , or age , walking side by side , through fair and stormy weather , with a faithful friend , who is , in the true sense of the good old Saxon word , the ` house-band ' , and learning , as Meg learned , that a woman 's happiest kingdom is home , her highest honor the art of ruling it not as a queen , but as a wise wife and mother . CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE LAZY LAURENCE Laurie went to Nice intending to stay a week , and remained a month . He was tired of wandering about alone , and Amy 's familiar presence seemed to give a homelike charm to the foreign scenes in which she bore a part . He rather missed the ` petting ' he used to receive , and enjoyed a taste of it again , for no attentions , however flattering , from strangers , were half so pleasant as the sisterly adoration of the girls at home . Amy never would pet him like the others , but she was very glad to see him now , and quite clung to him , feeling that he was the representative of the dear family for whom she longed more than she would confess . They naturally took comfort in each other 's society and were much together , riding , walking , dancing , or dawdling , for at Nice no one can be very industrious during the gay season . But , while apparently amusing themselves in the most careless fashion , they were half-consciously making discoveries and forming opinions about each other . Amy rose daily in the estimation of her friend , but he sank in hers , and each felt the truth before a word was spoken .
XXXXX tried to please , and succeeded , for she was grateful for the many pleasures he gave her , and repaid him with the little services to which womanly women know how to lend an indescribable charm .
Amy Babydom Ned Saxon Scotts adoration house-band month week year