asked Amy , smiling as she watched Laurie and John playing cricket with the boys . `` Dear fellows ! It does my heart good to see them forget business and frolic for a day , '' answered Jo , who now spoke in a maternal way of all mankind . `` Yes , I remember , but the life I wanted then seems selfish , lonely , and cold to me now . I have n't given up the hope that I may write a good book yet , but I can wait , and I 'm sure it will be all the better for such experiences and illustrations as these , '' and Jo pointed from the lively lads in the distance to her father , leaning on the Professor 's arm , as they walked to and fro in the sunshine , deep in one of the conversations which both enjoyed so much , and then to her mother , sitting enthroned among her daughters , with their children in her lap and at her feet , as if all found help and happiness in the face which never could grow old to them . `` My castle was the most nearly realized of all . I asked for splendid things , to be sure , but in my heart I knew I should be satisfied , if I had a little home , and John , and some dear children like these . I 've got them all , thank God , and am the happiest woman in the world , '' and Meg laid her hand on her tall boy 's head , with a face full of tender and devout content . `` My castle is very different from what I planned , but I would not alter it , though , like Jo , I do n't relinquish all my artistic hopes , or confine myself to helping others fulfill their dreams of beauty . I 've begun to model a figure of baby , and Laurie says it is the best thing I 've ever done . I think so , myself , and mean to do it in marble , so that , whatever happens , I may at least keep the image of my little angel . '' As Amy spoke , a great tear dropped on the golden hair of the sleeping child in her arms , for her one well-beloved daughter was a frail little creature and the dread of losing her was the shadow over Amy 's sunshine . This cross was doing much for both father and mother , for one love and sorrow bound them closely together . Amy 's nature was growing sweeter , deeper , and more tender . Laurie was growing more serious , strong , and firm , and both were learning that beauty , youth , good fortune , even love itself , can not keep care and pain , loss and sorrow , from the most blessed for ... Into each life some rain must fall , Some days must be dark and sad and dreary . `` She is growing better , I am sure of it , my dear . Do n't despond , but hope and keep happy , '' said Mrs. March , as tenderhearted Daisy stooped from her knee to lay her rosy cheek against her little cousin 's pale one . `` I never ought to , while I have you to cheer me up , Marmee , and Laurie to take more than half of every burden , '' replied Amy warmly . `` He never lets me see his anxiety , but is so sweet and patient with me , so devoted to Beth , and such a stay and comfort to me always that I ca n't love him enough . So , in spite of my one cross , I can say with Meg , ` Thank God , I 'm a happy woman . ' ''
`` There 's no need for me to XXXXX it , for everyone can see that I 'm far happier than I deserve , '' added Jo , glancing from her good husband to her chubby children , tumbling on the grass beside her .
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