`` No , I do n't , '' was Jo 's decided answer , as she petted the fat poodle , whom she had adopted , out of respect to his former mistress . `` You do n't mean to live there ? '' `` Yes , I do . '' `` But , my dear girl , it 's an immense house , and will take a power of money to keep it in order . The garden and orchard alone need two or three men , and farming is n't in Bhaer 's line , I take it . '' `` He 'll try his hand at it there , if I propose it . '' `` And you expect to live on the produce of the place ? Well , that sounds paradisiacal , but you 'll find it desperate hard work . '' `` The crop we are going to raise is a profitable one , '' and Jo laughed . `` Of what is this fine crop to consist , ma'am ? '' `` Boys . I want to open a school for little lads -- a good , happy , homelike school , with me to take care of them and Fritz to teach them . '' `` That 's a truly Joian plan for you ! Is n't that just like her ? '' cried Laurie , appealing to the family , who looked as much surprised as he . `` I like it , '' said Mrs. March decidedly . `` So do I , '' added her husband , who welcomed the thought of a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern youth . `` It will be an immense care for Jo , '' said Meg , stroking the head of her one all-absorbing son . `` Jo can do it , and be happy in it . It 's a splendid idea .
Tell us all about it , '' XXXXX Mr. Laurence , who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand , but knew that they would refuse his help .
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