`` I like it , '' said Mrs. March decidedly . `` So do I , '' added her husband , who welcomed the thought of a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern youth . `` It will be an immense care for Jo , '' said Meg , stroking the head of her one all-absorbing son . `` Jo can do it , and be happy in it . It 's a splendid idea . Tell us all about it , '' cried Mr. Laurence , who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand , but knew that they would refuse his help . `` I knew you 'd stand by me , sir . Amy does too -- I see it in her eyes , though she prudently waits to turn it over in her mind before she speaks . Now , my dear people , '' continued Jo earnestly , `` just understand that this is n't a new idea of mine , but a long cherished plan . Before my Fritz came , I used to think how , when I 'd made my fortune , and no one needed me at home , I 'd hire a big house , and pick up some poor , forlorn little lads who had n't any mothers , and take care of them , and make life jolly for them before it was too late . I see so many going to ruin for want of help at the right minute , I love so to do anything for them , I seem to feel their wants , and sympathize with their troubles , and oh , I should so like to be a mother to them ! '' Mrs. March held out her hand to Jo , who took it , smiling , with tears in her eyes , and went on in the old enthusiastic way , which they had not seen for a long while . `` I told my plan to Fritz once , and he said it was just what he would like , and agreed to try it when we got rich . Bless his dear heart , he 's been doing it all his life -- helping poor boys , I mean , not getting rich , that he 'll never be . Money does n't stay in his pocket long enough to lay up any . But now , thanks to my good old aunt , who loved me better than I ever deserved , I 'm rich , at least I feel so , and we can live at Plumfield perfectly well , if we have a flourishing school . It 's just the place for boys , the house is big , and the furniture strong and plain . There 's plenty of room for dozens inside , and splendid grounds outside . They could help in the garden and orchard . Such work is healthy , is n't it , sir ?
Then Fritz could train and teach in his own way , and Father will XXXXX him .
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