Now , could she do it ? She decided that she would try , and in her first attempt she found the helps I have suggested . Still another was given her , and she took it , not as a reward , but as a comfort , as Christian took the refreshment afforded by the little arbor where he rested , as he climbed the hill called Difficulty . `` Why do n't you write ? That always used to make you happy , '' said her mother once , when the desponding fit over-shadowed Jo . `` I 've no heart to write , and if I had , nobody cares for my things . '' `` We do . Write something for us , and never mind the rest of the world . Try it , dear . I 'm sure it would do you good , and please us very much . '' `` Do n't believe I can . '' But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her half-finished manuscripts . An hour afterward her mother peeped in and there she was , scratching away , with her black pinafore on , and an absorbed expression , which caused Mrs. March to smile and slip away , well pleased with the success of her suggestion . Jo never knew how it happened , but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it , for when her family had laughed and cried over it , her father sent it , much against her will , to one of the popular magazines , and to her utter surprise , it was not only paid for , but others requested . Letters from several persons , whose praise was honor , followed the appearance of the little story , newspapers copied it , and strangers as well as friends admired it . For a small thing it was a great success , and Jo was more astonished than when her novel was commended and condemned all at once . `` I do n't understand it . What can there be in a simple little story like that to make people praise it so ? '' she said , quite bewildered . `` There is truth in it , Jo , that 's the secret .
Humor and pathos make it alive , and you have XXXXX your style at last .
'm absorbed climbed copied cried found requested sent try went