`` That is such a pleasant prospect for poor Nat , who came to me six months ago so friendless and forlorn . Dan 's future is already plain to me . Mr. Hyde will want him soon , and I mean to give him a brave and faithful little servant . Dan is one who can serve well if the wages are love and confidence , and he has the energy to carve out his own future in his own way . Yes , I am very happy over our success with these boys one so weak , and one so wild ; both so much better now , and so full of promise . '' `` What magic did you use , Jo ? '' `` I only loved them , and let them see it . Fritz did the rest . '' `` Dear soul ! you look as if ` only loving ' had been rather hard work sometimes , '' said Laurie , stroking her thin cheek with a look of more tender admiration than he had ever given her as a girl . `` I 'm a faded old woman , but I 'm a very happy one ; so do n't pity me , Teddy ; '' and she glanced about the room with eyes full of a sincere content . `` Yes , your plan seems to work better and better every year , '' he said , with an emphatic nod of approval toward the cheery scene before him . `` How can it fail to work well when I have so much help from you all ? '' answered Mrs. Jo , looking gratefully at her most generous patron . `` It is the best joke of the family , this school of yours and its success . So unlike the future we planned for you , and yet so suited to you after all . It was a regular inspiration , Jo , '' said Laurie , dodging her thanks as usual . `` Ah ! but you laughed at it in the beginning , and still make all manner of fun of me and my inspirations . Did n't you predict that having girls with the boys would be a dead failure ?
Now XXXXX how well it works ; '' and she pointed to the happy group of lads and lassies dancing , singing , and chattering together with every sign of kindly good fellowship .
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