When Laurie said good-by , he whispered significantly , `` It wo n't do a bit of good , Jo . My eye is on you , so mind what you do , or I 'll come and bring you home . '' CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE JO 'S JOURNAL New York , November Dear Marmee and Beth , I 'm going to write you a regular volume , for I 've got heaps to tell , though I 'm not a fine young lady traveling on the continent . When I lost sight of Father 's dear old face , I felt a trifle blue , and might have shed a briny drop or two , if an Irish lady with four small children , all crying more or less , had n't diverted my mind , for I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar . Soon the sun came out , and taking it as a good omen , I cleared up likewise and enjoyed my journey with all my heart . Mrs. Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once , even in that big house full of strangers . She gave me a funny little sky parlor -- all she had , but there is a stove in it , and a nice table in a sunny window , so I can sit here and write whenever I like . A fine view and a church tower opposite atone for the many stairs , and I took a fancy to my den on the spot . The nursery , where I am to teach and sew , is a pleasant room next Mrs. Kirke 's private parlor , and the two little girls are pretty children , rather spoiled , I fancy , but they took to me after telling them The Seven Bad Pigs , and I 've no doubt I shall make a model governess . I am to have my meals with the children , if I prefer it to the great table , and for the present I do , for I am bashful , though no one will believe it . `` Now , my dear , make yourself at home , '' said Mrs. K. in her motherly way , `` I 'm on the drive from morning to night , as you may suppose with such a family , but a great anxiety will be off my mind if I know the children are safe with you . My rooms are always open to you , and your own shall be as comfortable as I can make it . There are some pleasant people in the house if you feel sociable , and your evenings are always free . Come to me if anything goes wrong , and be as happy as you can . There 's the tea bell , I must run and change my cap . '' And off she bustled , leaving me to settle myself in my new nest . As I went downstairs soon after , I saw something I liked . The flights are very long in this tall house , and as I stood waiting at the head of the third one for a little servant girl to lumber up , I saw a gentleman come along behind her , take the heavy hod of coal out of her hand , carry it all the way up , put it down at a door near by , and walk away , saying , with a kind nod and a foreign accent , `` It goes better so . The little back is too young to haf such heaviness . '' Was n't it good of him ?
I like such things , for as XXXXX says , trifles show character .
Father Irish K. Kirke Laurie Pigs York evenings haf hod