Guess it wo n't be lost time ; '' and Frank nodded at Gus , who nodded back with the slightly superior expression all Freshmen wear . `` Hope you wo n't find it so . My work is all cut out for me , and I intend to go in and win , though it is more of a grind than you fellows know . '' `` I 'm sure I have everything to be grateful for . It wo n't be plain sailing -- I do n't expect it ; but , if I live , I 'll do something to be proud of , '' said Ralph , squaring his shoulders as if to meet and conquer all obstacles as he looked into the glowing west , which was not fairer than his ambitious dreams . Here we will say good-by to these girls and boys of ours as they sit together in the sunshine talking over a year that was to be for ever memorable to them , not because of any very remarkable events , but because they were just beginning to look about them as they stepped out of childhood into youth , and some of the experiences of the past months had set them to thinking , taught them to see the use and beauty of the small duties , joys , and sorrows which make up our lives , and inspired them to resolve that the coming year should be braver and brighter than the last . There are many such boys and girls , full of high hopes , lovely possibilities , and earnest plans , pausing a moment before they push their little boats from the safe shore . Chapter 1 . TEN YEARS LATER ` If anyone had told me what wonderful changes were to take place here in ten years , I would n't have believed it , ' said Mrs Jo to Mrs Meg , as they sat on the piazza at Plumfield one summer day , looking about them with faces full of pride and pleasure . ` This is the sort of magic that money and kind hearts can work . I am sure Mr Laurence could have no nobler monument than the college he so generously endowed ; and a home like this will keep Aunt March 's memory green as long as it lasts , ' answered Mrs Meg , always glad to praise the absent . ` We used to believe in fairies , you remember , and plan what we 'd ask for if we could have three wishes . Does n't it seem as if mine had been really granted at last ? Money , fame , and plenty of the work I love , ' said Mrs Jo , carelessly rumpling up her hair as she clasped her hands over her head just as she used to do when a girl . ' I have had mine , and Amy is enjoying hers to her heart 's content . If dear Marmee , John , and Beth were here , it would be quite perfect , ' added Meg , with a tender quiver in her voice ; for Marmee 's place was empty now . Jo put her hand on her sister 's , and both sat silent for a little while , surveying the pleasant scene before them with mingled sad and happy thoughts . It certainly did look as if magic had been at work , for quiet Plumfield was transformed into a busy little world . The house seemed more hospitable than ever , refreshed now with new paint , added wings , well-kept lawn and garden , and a prosperous air it had not worn when riotous boys swarmed everywhere and it was rather difficult for the Bhaers to make both ends meet . On the hill , where kites used to be flown , stood the fine college which Mr Laurence 's munificent legacy had built .
Busy students were going to and fro along the paths once trodden by childish feet , and many young men and women were XXXXX all the advantages that wealth , wisdom , and benevolence could give them .
added answered enjoying looked praise said seemed squaring used worn