It's lovely to see people so happy.

…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.

…having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay…

…what splendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is the pain when the bright bubbles burst.

…proved that woman isn't a half but a whole human being, and can stand alone.

It is a merciful provision my dears, for it takes three or four women to get each man into, through, and out of the world. You are costly creatures, boys, and it is well that mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters love their duty and do it so well, or you would perish off the face of the earth,' said Mrs. Jo solemnly…

…I'm always ready to talk, shouldn't be a woman if I were not,' laughed Mrs. Jo…

…she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children.

I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world…

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.

I do like men who come out frankly and own that they are not gods.

…for action is always easier than quiet waiting.

Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.

…growing pale and sober with the thought that her fate was soon to be decided; for, like all young people, she was sure that her whole life could be settled by one human creature, quite forgetting how wonderfully Providence trains us by disappointment, surprises us with unexpected success, and turns our seeming trials into blessing.

Boys don't gush, so I can stand it. The last time I let in a party of girls, one fell into my arms and said, "Darling, love me!" I wanted to shake her,' answered Mrs. Jo, wiping her pen with energy.

On, I don't think I'm a genius!' cried Josie, growing calm and sober as she listened to the melodious voice and looked into the expressive face that filled her with confidence, so strong, sincere and kindly was it. 'I only want to find out if I have talent enough to go on, and after years of study be able to act well in any of the good plays people never tire of seeing. I don't expected to be a Mrs. Siddons or a Miss Cameron, much as I long to be; but it does seem as if I had something in me which can't come out in any way but this. When I act I'm perfectly happy. I seem to live, to be in my own world, and each new part is a new friend. I love Shakespeare, and am never tired of his splendid people. Of course I don't understand it all; but it's like being alone at night with the mountains and the stars, solemn and grand, and I try to imagine how it will look when the sun comes up, and all is glorious and clear to me. I can't see, but I feel the beauty, and long to express it.

…a woman's always safe and comfortable when a fellow's down on his luck.

Prosperity suits some people, and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the sweeter for a touch of frost.

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.

Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, — that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.

And mother-like, Mrs. Jo forgot the threatened chastisement in tender lamentations over the happy scapegrace…

I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.