[Jo to her mother] I knew there was mischief brewing. I felt it and now it's worse than I imagined. I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.

Then I don't feel as if I'd wasted my life. I'm not so good as you make me, but I have tried to do right. And now, when it's too late to begin even to do better, it's such a comfort to know that someone loves me so much, and feels as if I'd helped them.

Jo's face was a study next day, for the secret rather weighed upon her, and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important. Meg observed it, but did not troubled herself to make inquiries, for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries, so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask.

To Jo's lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed. She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the "Laurence boy," who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only ever knew how to begin.

Is that my boy?’As sure as this is my girl!

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.