Come , mother , better face the music and march gaily , since your wilful children will `` gang their ain gait '' . ' ' I do n't see but I must , and `` leave the consequences to the Lord '' , as Marmee used to say when she had to decide , and only saw a step of the road . I should enjoy it immensely , if I could only feel that the life would not hurt my girl , and leave her unsatisfied when it was too late to change ; for nothing is harder to give up than the excitements of that profession . I know something of it ; and if your blessed father had not come along , I 'm afraid I should have been an actress in spite of Aunt March and all our honoured ancestors . ' ` Let Josie add new honour to the name , and work out the family talent in its proper place . I 'll play dragon to her , and you play nurse , and no harm can come to our little Juliet , no matter how many Romeos spoon under her balcony . Really , ma'am , opposition comes badly from an old lady who is going to wring the hearts of our audience in the heroine 's part in Aunty 's play next Christmas . It 's the most pathetic thing I ever saw , mother ; and I 'm sorry you did n't become an actress , though we should be nowhere if you had . ' Demi was on his legs now , with his back to the fire , in the lordly attitude men like to assume when things go well with them , or they want to lay down the law on any subject . Mrs Meg actually blushed at her son 's hearty praise , and could not deny that the sound of applause was as sweet now as when she played the Witch 's Curse and The Moorish Maiden 's Vow long years ago . ` It 's perfectly absurd for me to do it , but I could n't resist when Jo and Laurie made the part for me , and you children were to act in it . The minute I get on the old mother 's dress I forget myself and feel the same thrill at the sound of the bell that I used to feel when we got up plays in the garret . If Daisy would only take the daughter 's part it would be so complete ; for with you and Josie I am hardly acting , it is all so real . ' ` Especially the hospital scene , where you find the wounded son . Why , mother , do you know when we did that at last rehearsal my face was wet with real tears as you cried over me . It will bring down the house ; but do n't forget to wipe 'em off , or I shall sneeze , ' said Demi , laughing at the recollection of his mother 's hit . ' I wo n't ; but it almost broke my heart to see you so pale and dreadful . I hope there will never be another war in my time , for I should have to let you go ; and I never want to live through the same experience we had with father . ' ` Do n't you think Alice does the part better than Daisy would ? Daisy has n't a bit of the actress in her , and Alice puts life into the dullest words she speaks .
I think the Marquise is just perfect in our piece , ' said Demi , strolling about the room as if the warmth of the XXXXX sent a sudden colour to his face .
Daisy Jo Josie Marmee Romeos Vow ain excitements fire war