How or why it happened she never clearly understood , but all of a sudden she found herself famous in a small way , and , better still , with a snug little fortune in her pocket to clear away the obstacles of the present and assure the future of her boys . It began during a bad year when everything went wrong at Plumfield ; times were hard , the school dwindled , Jo overworked herself and had a long illness ; Laurie and Amy were abroad , and the Bhaers too proud to ask help even of those as near and dear as this generous pair . Confined to her room , Jo got desperate over the state of affairs , till she fell back upon the long-disused pen as the only thing she could do to help fill up the gaps in the income . A book for girls being wanted by a certain publisher , she hastily scribbled a little story describing a few scenes and adventures in the lives of herself and sisters , though boys were more in her line , and with very slight hopes of success sent it out to seek its fortune . Things always went by contraries with Jo . Her first book , laboured over for years , and launched full of the high hopes and ambitious dreams of youth , foundered on its voyage , though the wreck continued to float long afterward , to the profit of the publisher at least . The hastily written story , sent away with no thought beyond the few dollars it might bring , sailed with a fair wind and a wise pilot at the helm into public favour , and came home heavily laden with an unexpected cargo of gold and glory . A more astonished woman probably never existed than Josephine Bhaer when her little ship came into port with flags flying , cannon that had been silent before now booming gaily , and , better than all , many kind faces rejoicing with her , many friendly hands grasping hers with cordial congratulations . After that it was plain sailing , and she merely had to load her ships and send them off on prosperous trips , to bring home stores of comfort for all she loved and laboured for . The fame she never did quite accept ; for it takes very little fire to make a great deal of smoke nowadays , and notoriety is not real glory . The fortune she could not doubt , and gratefully received ; though it was not half so large a one as a generous world reported it to be . The tide having turned continued to rise , and floated the family comfortably into a snug harbour where the older members could rest secure from storms , and whence the younger ones could launch their boats for the voyage of life . All manner of happiness , peace , and plenty came in those years to bless the patient waiters , hopeful workers , and devout believers in the wisdom and justice of Him who sends disappointment , poverty , and sorrow to try the love of human hearts and make success the sweeter when it comes . The world saw the prosperity , and kind souls rejoiced over the improved fortunes of the family ; but the success Jo valued most , the happiness that nothing could change or take away , few knew much about . It was the power of making her mother 's last years happy and serene ; to see the burden of care laid down for ever , the weary hands at rest , the dear face untroubled by any anxiety , and the tender heart free to pour itself out in the wise charity which was its delight . As a girl , Jo 's favourite plan had been a room where Marmee could sit in peace and enjoy herself after her hard , heroic life . Now the dream had become a happy fact , and Marmee sat in her pleasant chamber with every comfort and luxury about her , loving daughters to wait on her as infirmities increased , a faithful mate to lean upon , and grand-children to brighten the twilight of life with their dutiful affection . A very precious time to all , for she rejoiced as only mothers can in the good fortunes of their children . She had lived to reap the harvest she sowed ; had seen prayers answered , hopes blossom , good gifts bear fruit , peace and prosperity bless the home she had made ; and then , like some brave , patient angel , whose work was done , turned her face heavenward , glad to rest . This was the sweet and sacred side of the change ; but it had its droll and thorny one , as all things have in this curious world of ours .
After the first surprise , incredulity , and joy , which XXXXX to Jo , with the ingratitude of human nature , she soon tired of renown , and began to resent her loss of liberty .
came load making pour received rejoiced see sent understood written