Then , from above him , voice after voice took up the words , and from tree to tree echoed the music of the unseen choir , as the boys sang with all their hearts the little song that Jo had written , Laurie set to music , and the Professor trained his lads to give with the best effect . This was something altogether new , and it proved a grand success , for Mrs. March could n't get over her surprise , and insisted on shaking hands with every one of the featherless birds , from tall Franz and Emil to the little quadroon , who had the sweetest voice of all . After this , the boys dispersed for a final lark , leaving Mrs. March and her daughters under the festival tree . `` I do n't think I ever ought to call myself ` unlucky Jo ' again , when my greatest wish has been so beautifully gratified , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , taking Teddy 's little fist out of the milk pitcher , in which he was rapturously churning . `` And yet your life is very different from the one you pictured so long ago . Do you remember our castles in the air ? '' asked Amy , smiling as she watched Laurie and John playing cricket with the boys . `` Dear fellows ! It does my heart good to see them forget business and frolic for a day , '' answered Jo , who now spoke in a maternal way of all mankind . `` Yes , I remember , but the life I wanted then seems selfish , lonely , and cold to me now . I have n't given up the hope that I may write a good book yet , but I can wait , and I 'm sure it will be all the better for such experiences and illustrations as these , '' and Jo pointed from the lively lads in the distance to her father , leaning on the Professor 's arm , as they walked to and fro in the sunshine , deep in one of the conversations which both enjoyed so much , and then to her mother , sitting enthroned among her daughters , with their children in her lap and at her feet , as if all found help and happiness in the face which never could grow old to them . `` My castle was the most nearly realized of all . I asked for splendid things , to be sure , but in my heart I knew I should be satisfied , if I had a little home , and John , and some dear children like these . I 've got them all , thank God , and am the happiest woman in the world , '' and Meg laid her hand on her tall boy 's head , with a face full of tender and devout content . `` My castle is very different from what I planned , but I would not alter it , though , like Jo , I do n't relinquish all my artistic hopes , or confine myself to helping others fulfill their dreams of beauty . I 've begun to model a figure of baby , and Laurie says it is the best thing I 've ever done . I think so , myself , and mean to do it in marble , so that , whatever happens , I may at least keep the image of my little angel . '' As Amy spoke , a great tear dropped on the golden hair of the sleeping child in her arms , for her one well-beloved daughter was a frail little creature and the dread of losing her was the shadow over Amy 's sunshine . This cross was doing much for both father and mother , for one love and sorrow bound them closely together . Amy 's nature was growing sweeter , deeper , and more tender .
XXXXX was growing more serious , strong , and firm , and both were learning that beauty , youth , good fortune , even love itself , can not keep care and pain , loss and sorrow , from the most blessed for ... Into each life some rain must fall , Some days must be dark and sad and dreary .
Amy Bhaer Emil Franz Jo John Laurie Meg fro quadroon