`` Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage . I was half afraid to put the idea into your head , lest you should write and congratulate them before the thing was settled . '' `` I 'm not the scatterbrain I was . You may trust me . I 'm sober and sensible enough for anyone 's confidante now . '' `` So you are , my dear , and I should have made you mine , only I fancied it might pain you to learn that your Teddy loved someone else . '' `` Now , Mother , did you really think I could be so silly and selfish , after I 'd refused his love , when it was freshest , if not best ? '' `` I knew you were sincere then , Jo , but lately I have thought that if he came back , and asked again , you might perhaps , feel like giving another answer . Forgive me , dear , I ca n't help seeing that you are very lonely , and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart . So I fancied that your boy might fill the empty place if he tried now . '' `` No , Mother , it is better as it is , and I 'm glad Amy has learned to love him . But you are right in one thing . I am lonely , and perhaps if Teddy had tried again , I might have said ` Yes ' , not because I love him any more , but because I care more to be loved than when he went away . '' `` I 'm glad of that , Jo , for it shows that you are getting on . There are plenty to love you , so try to be satisfied with Father and Mother , sisters and brothers , friends and babies , till the best lover of all comes to give you your reward . '' `` Mothers are the best lovers in the world , but I do n't mind whispering to Marmee that I 'd like to try all kinds . It 's very curious , but the more I try to satisfy myself with all sorts of natural affections , the more I seem to want . I 'd no idea hearts could take in so many . Mine is so elastic , it never seems full now , and I used to be quite contented with my family . I do n't understand it . ''
`` I do , '' and Mrs. March smiled her wise smile , as XXXXX turned back the leaves to read what Amy said of Laurie .
Amy Father Jo Marmee Mother Teddy confidante need right scatterbrain