Would n't that console you ? '' `` I rather think it would , but there 's no knowing what may happen in three years , '' said Jo thoughtfully . `` That 's true . Do n't you wish you could take a look forward and see where we shall all be then ? I do , '' returned Laurie . `` I think not , for I might see something sad , and everyone looks so happy now , I do n't believe they could be much improved . '' And Jo 's eyes went slowly round the room , brightening as they looked , for the prospect was a pleasant one . Father and Mother sat together , quietly reliving the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago . Amy was drawing the lovers , who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own , the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy . Beth lay on her sofa , talking cheerily with her old friend , who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked . Jo lounged in her favorite low seat , with the grave quiet look which best became her , and Laurie , leaning on the back of her chair , his chin on a level with her curly head , smiled with his friendliest aspect , and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both . So the curtain falls upon Meg , Jo , Beth , and Amy . Whether it ever rises again , depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called Little Women . LITTLE WOMEN PART 2 In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg 's wedding ... CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR GOSSIP In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg 's wedding with free minds , it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches . And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ` lovering ' in the story , as I fear they may -LRB- I 'm not afraid the young folks will make that objection -RRB- , I can only say with Mrs. March , `` What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house , and a dashing young neighbor over the way ? '' The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family . The war is over , and Mr. March safely at home , busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace , a quiet , studious man , rich in the wisdom that is better than learning , the charity which calls all mankind ` brother ' , the piety that blossoms into character , making it august and lovely . These attributes , in spite of poverty and the strict integrity which shut him out from the more worldly successes , attracted to him many admirable persons , as naturally as sweet herbs draw bees , and as naturally he gave them the honey into which fifty years of hard experience had distilled no bitter drop . Earnest young men found the gray-headed scholar as young at heart as they ; thoughtful or troubled women instinctively brought their doubts to him , sure of finding the gentlest sympathy , the wisest counsel . Sinners told their sins to the pure-hearted old man and were both rebuked and saved .
Gifted men XXXXX a companion in him .
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