It may be vain and wrong to say it, but- I'm afraid- Laurie is getting too fond of me. Then you don't care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you? And Mrs March looked anxious as she put the question. Mercy, no! I love the dear boy, as I always have, and am immensely proud of him, but as for anything more, it's out of the question.

I don't believe it's the right sort of love, and I'd rather not try it," was the decided answer.

I might've said 'yes,' not because I love him any more, but because I care more to be loved than when he went away.

And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly, and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow.

Mercy me! I don't know anything about love and such nonsense! Cried Jo, with a funny mixture of interest and contempt.

Don' mean to have any. It's fun to watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself, Said Jo, looking alarmed at the thought.

It would trouble me sadly to make him unhappy, for I couldn't fall in love with the dear old fellow merely out of gratitude, could I?

I don't. I never wanted to make you care for me so, and I went away to keep you from it if I could.

You, you are, you're a great deal too good for me, and I'm so grateful to you, and so proud and fond of you, I don't know why I can't love you as you want me to. I've tried, but I can't change the feeling, and it would be a lie to say I do when I don't.