For to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart, and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy goal.

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.

I'd rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent

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?

She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty, and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be, "truth, reverence. and good will." then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great.

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.

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.