I can't help it. You know it's impossible for people to make themselves love other people if they don't, Cried Jo inelegantly but remorsefully, as she softly patted his shoulder, remembering the time when he had comforted her so long ago.

I haven't the least idea of loving him or anybody else

... She said, hoping to soothe him with a little reason, which proved that she knew nothing about love.

We don't agree and we never shall, so we'll be good friends all our lives, but we won't go and do anything rash.

Not until months afterwards did Jo understand how she had the strength of mind to hold fast to the resolution she had made when she decided she did not love her boy, and never could. It was very hard to do, but she did it, knowing the delay was both useless and cruel.

Nothing more, except that I don't believe I shall ever marry. I'm happy as I am, and love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man.

... It's selfish of you to keep teasing for what I can't give. I shall always be fond of you, very fond indeed, as a friend, but I'll never marry you, and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us.

How stupid you are child! He meant you of course.Did he? And Jo opened her eyes as if the thought had never occurred to her before.