I am truly glad and grateful , John , that at last you want to settle , and have got such an entirely satisfactory place . Most boys begin much earlier ; but I do n't believe in sending them out to face the world so young , just when body and soul need home care and watchfulness . Now you are a man , and must begin your life for yourself . Do your best , and be as honest , useful , and happy as your father , and I wo n't care about making a fortune . ' ` I 'll try , mother . Could n't have a better chance ; for Tiber & Co. treat their people like gentlemen , and pay generously for faithful work . Things are done in a businesslike way there , and that suits me . I hate promises that are not kept , and shiftless or tyrannical ways anywhere . Mr Tiber said : `` This is only to teach you the ropes , Brooke ; I shall have other work for you by and by . '' Aunty told him I had done book notices , and had rather a fancy for literature ; so though I ca n't produce any `` works of Shakespeare '' , as she says , I may get up some little things later . If I do n't , I think it a very honourable and noble profession to select and give good books to the world ; and I 'm satisfied to be a humble helper in the work . ' ` I 'm glad you feel so . It adds so much to one 's happiness to love the task one does . I used to hate teaching ; but housekeeping for my own family was always sweet , though much harder in many ways . Is n't Aunt Jo pleased about all this ? ' asked Mrs Meg , already seeing in her mind 's eye a splendid sign with ` Tiber , Brooke & Co. ' over the door of a famous publishing house . ` So pleased that I could hardly keep her from letting the cat out of the bag too soon . I 've had so many plans , and disappointed you so often , I wanted to be very sure this time . I had to bribe Rob and Ted to keep her at home tonight till I 'd told my news , she was eager to rush down and tell you herself . The castles that dear woman has built for me would fill all Spain , and have kept us jolly while we waited to know our fate .
Mr XXXXX does n't do things in a hurry ; but when he makes up his mind , you are all right ; and I feel that I am fairly launched . '
Aunty Brooke Co. Jo John Meg Spain Ted Tiber watchfulness