A very natural and forgivable mistake , Meg , but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways , for children should draw you nearer than ever , not separate you , as if they were all yours , and John had nothing to do but support them . I 've seen it for some weeks , but have not spoken , feeling sure it would come right in time . '' `` I 'm afraid it wo n't . If I ask him to stay , he 'll think I 'm jealous , and I would n't insult him by such an idea . He does n't see that I want him , and I do n't know how to tell him without words . '' `` Make it so pleasant he wo n't want to go away . My dear , he 's longing for his little home , but it is n't home without you , and you are always in the nursery . '' `` Ought n't I to be there ? '' `` Not all the time , too much confinement makes you nervous , and then you are unfitted for everything . Besides , you owe something to John as well as to the babies . Do n't neglect husband for children , do n't shut him out of the nursery , but teach him how to help in it . His place is there as well as yours , and the children need him . Let him feel that he has a part to do , and he will do it gladly and faithfully , and it will be better for you all . '' `` You really think so , Mother ? '' `` I know it , Meg , for I 've tried it , and I seldom give advice unless I 've proved its practicability . When you and Jo were little , I went on just as you are , feeling as if I did n't do my duty unless I devoted myself wholly to you . Poor Father took to his books , after I had refused all offers of help , and left me to try my experiment alone . I struggled along as well as I could , but Jo was too much for me . I nearly spoiled her by indulgence . You were poorly , and I worried about you till I fell sick myself .
Then XXXXX came to the rescue , quietly managed everything , and made himself so helpful that I saw my mistake , and never have been able to get on without him since .
Father Jo John Meg Mother Poor indulgence left right weeks