I 've always longed for lots of boys , and never had enough , now I can fill the house full and revel in the little dears to my heart 's content . Think what luxury -- Plumfield my own , and a wilderness of boys to enjoy it with me . '' As Jo waved her hands and gave a sigh of rapture , the family went off into a gale of merriment , and Mr. Laurence laughed till they thought he 'd have an apoplectic fit . `` I do n't see anything funny , '' she said gravely , when she could be heard . `` Nothing could be more natural and proper than for my Professor to open a school , and for me to prefer to reside in my own estate . '' `` She is putting on airs already , '' said Laurie , who regarded the idea in the light of a capital joke . `` But may I inquire how you intend to support the establishment ? If all the pupils are little ragamuffins , I 'm afraid your crop wo n't be profitable in a worldly sense , Mrs. Bhaer . '' `` Now do n't be a wet-blanket , Teddy . Of course I shall have rich pupils , also -- perhaps begin with such altogether . Then , when I 've got a start , I can take in a ragamuffin or two , just for a relish . Rich people 's children often need care and comfort , as well as poor . I 've seen unfortunate little creatures left to servants , or backward ones pushed forward , when it 's real cruelty . Some are naughty through mismanagment or neglect , and some lose their mothers . Besides , the best have to get through the hobbledehoy age , and that 's the very time they need most patience and kindness . People laugh at them , and hustle them about , try to keep them out of sight , and expect them to turn all at once from pretty children into fine young men . They do n't complain much -- plucky little souls -- but they feel it . I 've been through something of it , and I know all about it . I 've a special interest in such young bears , and like to show them that I see the warm , honest , well-meaning boys ' hearts , in spite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsy-turvy heads . I 've had experience , too , for have n't I brought up one boy to be a pride and honor to his family ? ''
`` I 'll testify that you tried to do it , '' said XXXXX with a grateful look .
Jo Laurence Laurie Plumfield Professor dears mismanagment ragamuffin ragamuffins wet-blanket