She drew them out , turned them over , and relived that pleasant winter at kind Mrs. Kirke 's . She had smiled at first , then she looked thoughtful , next sad , and when she came to a little message written in the Professor 's hand , her lips began to tremble , the books slid out of her lap , and she sat looking at the friendly words , as they took a new meaning , and touched a tender spot in her heart . `` Wait for me , my friend . I may be a little late , but I shall surely come . '' `` Oh , if he only would ! So kind , so good , so patient with me always , my dear old Fritz . I did n't value him half enough when I had him , but now how I should love to see him , for everyone seems going away from me , and I 'm all alone . '' And holding the little paper fast , as if it were a promise yet to be fulfilled , Jo laid her head down on a comfortable rag bag , and cried , as if in opposition to the rain pattering on the roof . Was it all self-pity , loneliness , or low spirits ? Or was it the waking up of a sentiment which had bided its time as patiently as its inspirer ? Who shall say ? CHAPTER FORTY-THREE SURPRISES Jo was alone in the twilight , lying on the old sofa , looking at the fire , and thinking . It was her favorite way of spending the hour of dusk . No one disturbed her , and she used to lie there on Beth 's little red pillow , planning stories , dreaming dreams , or thinking tender thoughts of the sister who never seemed far away . Her face looked tired , grave , and rather sad , for tomorrow was her birthday , and she was thinking how fast the years went by , how old she was getting , and how little she seemed to have accomplished . Almost twenty-five , and nothing to show for it . Jo was mistaken in that . There was a good deal to show , and by-and-by she saw , and was grateful for it . `` An old maid , that 's what I 'm to be . A literary spinster , with a pen for a spouse , a family of stories for children , and twenty years hence a morsel of fame , perhaps , when , like poor Johnson , I 'm old and ca n't enjoy it , solitary , and ca n't share it , independent , and do n't need it .
Well , I XXXXX n't be a sour saint nor a selfish sinner , and , I dare say , old maids are very comfortable when they get used to it , but ... '' and there Jo sighed , as if the prospect was not inviting .
Wait accomplished disturbed laid need say show smiled spending written