Work is wholesome , and there is plenty for everyone . It keeps us from ennui and mischief , is good for health and spirits , and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion . '' `` We 'll work like bees , and love it too , see if we do n't , '' said Jo . `` I 'll learn plain cooking for my holiday task , and the next dinner party I have shall be a success . '' `` I 'll make the set of shirts for father , instead of letting you do it , Marmee . I can and I will , though I 'm not fond of sewing . That will be better than fussing over my own things , which are plenty nice enough as they are . '' said Meg . `` I 'll do my lessons every day , and not spend so much time with my music and dolls . I am a stupid thing , and ought to be studying , not playing , '' was Beth 's resolution , while Amy followed their example by heroically declaring , `` I shall learn to make buttonholes , and attend to my parts of speech . '' `` Very good ! Then I am quite satisfied with the experiment , and fancy that we shall not have to repeat it , only do n't go to the other extreme and delve like slaves . Have regular hours for work and play , make each day both useful and pleasant , and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well . Then youth will be delightful , old age will bring few regrets , and life become a beautiful success , in spite of poverty . '' `` We 'll remember , Mother ! '' and they did . CHAPTER TWELVE CAMP LAURENCE Beth was postmistress , for , being most at home , she could attend to it regularly , and dearly liked the daily task of unlocking the little door and distributing the mail . One July day she came in with her hands full , and went about the house leaving letters and parcels like the penny post . `` Here 's your posy , Mother ! Laurie never forgets that , '' she said , putting the fresh nosegay in the vase that stood in ` Marmee 's corner ' , and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy .
`` Miss Meg March , one letter and a glove , '' continued XXXXX , delivering the articles to her sister , who sat near her mother , stitching wristbands .
Amy Beth Jo Laurie Marmee Meg day ennui postmistress posy