It 's rather hard to find just the thing , but I think I should suit if I tried . '' `` My dear , go out to service in that great boarding house ! '' and Mrs. March looked surprised , but not displeased . `` It 's not exactly going out to service , for Mrs. Kirke is your friend -- the kindest soul that ever lived -- and would make things pleasant for me , I know . Her family is separate from the rest , and no one knows me there . Do n't care if they do . It 's honest work , and I 'm not ashamed of it . '' `` Nor I . But your writing ? '' `` All the better for the change . I shall see and hear new things , get new ideas , and even if I have n't much time there , I shall bring home quantities of material for my rubbish . '' `` I have no doubt of it , but are these your only reasons for this sudden fancy ? '' `` No , Mother . '' `` May I know the others ? '' Jo looked up and Jo looked down , then said slowly , with sudden color in her cheeks . `` It may be vain and wrong to say it , but -- I 'm afraid -- Laurie is getting too fond of me . '' `` Then you do n't care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you ? '' and Mrs. March looked anxious as she put the question . `` Mercy , no ! I love the dear boy , as I always have , and am immensely proud of him , but as for anything more , it 's out of the question . ''
`` I 'm glad of that , XXXXX . ''
Jo Kirke Laurie May Mother color fancy house question service