Dear me! how happy and good we'd be, if we had no worries!

In her secret soul, however, she decided that politics were as bad as mathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names.

Energy is more attractive than beauty in a man.

Now and then genius carries all before it, but not often. We have to climb slowly, with many slips and falls.

Freedom being the sauce best beloved by the boyish soul.

Salt is like good-humor, and nearly every thing is better for a pinch of it.

Who are your heroes? asked Jo.
Grandfather and Napoleon.

We'll all grow up Meg, no pretending we won't.

Honesty is the best policy, in love as in law.

Strength and beauty must go hand in hand.

Such hours are beautiful to live, but very hard to describe.

I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle -- something heroic, or wonderful -- that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all, some day. I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous; that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.

I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day.

I shall have to toil and moil all my days, with only little bits of fun now and then, and get old and ugly and sour, because I'm poor, and can't enjoy my life as other girls do. It's a shame!

Taking these things into consideration, while blinking stupidly at Dr. Z, I resolved to retire gracefully, if I must; so, with a valedictory to my boys, a private lecture to Mrs. Waldman, and a fervent wish that I could take off my body and work in my soul, I mournfully ascended to my apartment, and Nurse P. was reported off-duty.

Talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a commonplace dauber, so I don't intend to try any more.

But many of the bravest never are known, and get no praise. That does not lessen their beauty.

But I was going to say that while I was dawdling about abroad, I saw a good many talented young fellows making all sorts of sacrifices, and enduring real hardships, that they might realize their dreams. Splendid fellows, some of them, working like heroes, poor and friendless, but so full of courage, patience and ambition, that I was ashamed of myself, and longed to give them a right good lift.

But having given the rein to her lively fancy, it galloped away with her at a great pace, and common sense, being rather weakened by a long course or romance writing, did not come to the rescue.

Dan clung to her in speechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love, -- that divine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seek it.