Oh , dear me ! Why were n't we all boys , then there would n't be any bother . '' Jo leaned her chin on her knees in a disconsolate attitude and shook her fist at the reprehensible John . Mrs. March sighed , and Jo looked up with an air of relief . `` You do n't like it , Mother ? I 'm glad of it . Let 's send him about his business , and not tell Meg a word of it , but all be happy together as we always have been . '' `` I did wrong to sigh , Jo . It is natural and right you should all go to homes of your own in time , but I do want to keep my girls as long as I can , and I am sorry that this happened so soon , for Meg is only seventeen and it will be some years before John can make a home for her . Your father and I have agreed that she shall not bind herself in any way , nor be married , before twenty . If she and John love one another , they can wait , and test the love by doing so . She is conscientious , and I have no fear of her treating him unkindly . My pretty , tender hearted girl ! I hope things will go happily with her . '' `` Had n't you rather have her marry a rich man ? '' asked Jo , as her mother 's voice faltered a little over the last words . `` Money is a good and useful thing , Jo , and I hope my girls will never feel the need of it too bitterly , nor be tempted by too much . I should like to know that John was firmly established in some good business , which gave him an income large enough to keep free from debt and make Meg comfortable . I 'm not ambitious for a splendid fortune , a fashionable position , or a great name for my girls . If rank and money come with love and virtue , also , I should accept them gratefully , and enjoy your good fortune , but I know , by experience , how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house , where the daily bread is earned , and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures .
I am content to see XXXXX begin humbly , for if I am not mistaken , she will be rich in the possession of a good man 's heart , and that is better than a fortune . ''
Jo John Meg Mother attitude daily love need rank right