Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke , but the face opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude but Beth 's , and after sewing thoughtfully for a minute , Jo said , `` I think she is growing up , and so begins to dream dreams , and have hopes and fears and fidgets , without knowing why or being able to explain them . Why , Mother , Beth 's eighteen , but we do n't realize it , and treat her like a child , forgetting she 's a woman . '' `` So she is . Dear heart , how fast you do grow up , '' returned her mother with a sigh and a smile . `` Ca n't be helped , Marmee , so you must resign yourself to all sorts of worries , and let your birds hop out of the nest , one by one . I promise never to hop very far , if that is any comfort to you . '' `` It 's a great comfort , Jo . I always feel strong when you are at home , now Meg is gone . Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon , but when the tug comes , you are always ready . '' `` Why , you know I do n't mind hard jobs much , and there must always be one scrub in a family . Amy is splendid in fine works and I 'm not , but I feel in my element when all the carpets are to be taken up , or half the family fall sick at once . Amy is distinguishing herself abroad , but if anything is amiss at home , I 'm your man . '' `` I leave Beth to your hands , then , for she will open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than to anyone else . Be very kind , and do n't let her think anyone watches or talks about her . If she only would get quite strong and cheerful again , I should n't have a wish in the world . '' `` Happy woman ! I 've got heaps . '' `` My dear , what are they ? '' `` I 'll settle Bethy 's troubles , and then I 'll tell you mine . They are not very wearing , so they 'll keep . ''
and XXXXX stitched away , with a wise nod which set her mother 's heart at rest about her for the present at least .
Amy Beth Bethy Jo Meg Mother fidgets heart home minute