But in spite of these unromantic facts , I have nothing to complain of , and never was so jolly in my life . Excuse the remark , but living among boys , I ca n't help using their expressions now and then . '' `` Yes , Jo , I think your harvest will be a good one , '' began Mrs. March , frightening away a big black cricket that was staring Teddy out of countenance . `` Not half so good as yours , Mother . Here it is , and we never can thank you enough for the patient sowing and reaping you have done , '' cried Jo , with the loving impetuosity which she never would outgrow . `` I hope there will be more wheat and fewer tares every year , '' said Amy softly . `` A large sheaf , but I know there 's room in your heart for it , Marmee dear , '' added Meg 's tender voice . MARJORIE 'S THREE GIFTS Marjorie sat on the door-step , shelling peas , quite unconscious what a pretty picture she made , with the roses peeping at her through the lattice work of the porch , the wind playing hide-and-seek in her curly hair , while the sunshine with its silent magic changed her faded gingham to a golden gown , and shimmered on the bright tin pan as if it were a silver shield . Old Rover lay at her feet , the white kitten purred on her shoulder , and friendly robins hopped about her in the grass , chirping `` A happy birthday , Marjorie ! '' But the little maid neither saw nor heard , for her eyes were fixed on the green pods , and her thoughts were far away . She was recalling the fairy-tale granny told her last night , and wishing with all her heart that such things happened nowadays . For in this story , as a poor girl like herself sat spinning before the door , a Brownie came by , and gave the child a good-luck penny ; then a fairy passed , and left a talisman which would keep her always happy ; and last of all , the prince rolled up in his chariot , and took her away to reign with him over a lovely kingdom , as a reward for her many kindnesses to others . When Marjorie imagined this part of the story , it was impossible to help giving one little sigh , and for a minute she forgot her work , so busy was she thinking what beautiful presents she would give to all the poor children in her realm when THEY had birthdays . Five impatient young peas took this opportunity to escape from the half-open pod in her hand and skip down the steps , to be immediately gobbled up by an audacious robin , who gave thanks in such a shrill chirp that Marjorie woke up , laughed , and fell to work again . She was just finishing , when a voice called out from the lane , -- `` Hi , there ! come here a minute , child ! '' and looking up , she saw a little old man in a queer little carriage drawn by a fat little pony . Running down to the gate , Marjorie dropped a curtsy , saying pleasantly , -- `` What did you wish , sir ? '' `` Just undo that check-rein for me . I am lame , and Jack wants to drink at your brook , '' answered the old man , nodding at her till his spectacles danced on his nose .
XXXXX was rather afraid of the fat pony , who tossed his head , whisked his tail , and stamped his feet as if he was of a peppery temper .
Amy Brownie Marjorie Meg birthdays escape impetuosity left night talisman