One discovered that money could n't keep shame and sorrow out of rich people 's houses , another that , though she was poor , she was a great deal happier , with her youth , health , and good spirits , than a certain fretful , feeble old lady who could n't enjoy her comforts , a third that , disagreeable as it was to help get dinner , it was harder still to go begging for it and the fourth , that even carnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior . So they agreed to stop complaining , to enjoy the blessings already possessed , and try to deserve them , lest they should be taken away entirely , instead of increased , and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman 's advice . '' `` Now , Marmee , that is very cunning of you to turn our own stories against us , and give us a sermon instead of a romance ! '' cried Meg . `` I like that kind of sermon . It 's the sort Father used to tell us , '' said Beth thoughtfully , putting the needles straight on Jo 's cushion . `` I do n't complain near as much as the others do , and I shall be more careful than ever now , for I 've had warning from Susie 's downfall , '' said Amy morally . `` We needed that lesson , and we wo n't forget it . If we do so , you just say to us , as old Chloe did in Uncle Tom , ` Tink ob yer marcies , chillen ! ' ` Tink ob yer marcies ! ' '' added Jo , who could not , for the life of her , help getting a morsel of fun out of the little sermon , though she took it to heart as much as any of them . CHAPTER FIVE BEING NEIGHBORLY `` What in the world are you going to do now , Jo ? '' asked Meg one snowy afternoon , as her sister came tramping through the hall , in rubber boots , old sack , and hood , with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other . `` Going out for exercise , '' answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes . `` I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough ! It 's cold and dull out , and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire , as I do , '' said Meg with a shiver . `` Never take advice ! Ca n't keep still all day , and not being a pussycat , I do n't like to doze by the fire . I like adventures , and I 'm going to find some . '' Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe , and Jo began to dig paths with great energy .
The snow was light , and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden , for XXXXX to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air .
Amy Beth Ivanhoe Jo Marmee Susie Tom afternoon day fire