`` Ah , Jo , mothers may differ in their management , but the hope is the same in all -- the desire to see their children happy . Meg is so , and I am content with her success . You I leave to enjoy your liberty till you tire of it , for only then will you find that there is something sweeter . Amy is my chief care now , but her good sense will help her . For Beth , I indulge no hopes except that she may be well . By the way , she seems brighter this last day or two . Have you spoken to her ? ' `` Yes , she owned she had a trouble , and promised to tell me by-and-by . I said no more , for I think I know it , '' and Jo told her little story . Mrs. March shook her head , and did not take so romantic a view of the case , but looked grave , and repeated her opinion that for Laurie 's sake Jo should go away for a time . `` Let us say nothing about it to him till the plan is settled , then I 'll run away before he can collect his wits and be tragic . Beth must think I 'm going to please myself , as I am , for I ca n't talk about Laurie to her . But she can pet and comfort him after I 'm gone , and so cure him of this romantic notion . He 's been through so many little trials of the sort , he 's used to it , and will soon get over his lovelornity . '' Jo spoke hopefully , but could not rid herself of the foreboding fear that this ` little trial ' would be harder than the others , and that Laurie would not get over his ` lovelornity ' as easily as heretofore . The plan was talked over in a family council and agreed upon , for Mrs. Kirke gladly accepted Jo , and promised to make a pleasant home for her . The teaching would render her independent , and such leisure as she got might be made profitable by writing , while the new scenes and society would be both useful and agreeable . Jo liked the prospect and was eager to be gone , for the home nest was growing too narrow for her restless nature and adventurous spirit . When all was settled , with fear and trembling she told Laurie , but to her surprise he took it very quietly . He had been graver than usual of late , but very pleasant , and when jokingly accused of turning over a new leaf , he answered soberly , `` So I am , and I mean this one shall stay turned . ''
XXXXX was very much relieved that one of his virtuous fits should come on just then , and made her preparations with a lightened heart , for Beth seemed more cheerful , and hoped she was doing the best for all .
Amy Beth Jo Kirke Laurie Meg independent lovelornity management society