Hannah never forgot to make them , no matter how busy or grumpy she might be , for the walk was long and bleak . The poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before two . `` Cuddle your cats and get over your headache , Bethy . Goodbye , Marmee . We are a set of rascals this morning , but we 'll come home regular angels . Now then , Meg ! '' And Jo tramped away , feeling that the pilgrims were not setting out as they ought to do . They always looked back before turning the corner , for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile , and wave her hand to them . Somehow it seemed as if they could n't have got through the day without that , for whatever their mood might be , the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine . `` If Marmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us , it would serve us right , for more ungrateful wretches than we are were never seen , '' cried Jo , taking a remorseful satisfaction in the snowy walk and bitter wind . `` Do n't use such dreadful expressions , '' replied Meg from the depths of the veil in which she had shrouded herself like a nun sick of the world . `` I like good strong words that mean something , '' replied Jo , catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether . `` Call yourself any names you like , but I am neither a rascal nor a wretch and I do n't choose to be called so . '' `` You 're a blighted being , and decidedly cross today because you ca n't sit in the lap of luxury all the time . Poor dear , just wait till I make my fortune , and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers , and posies , and red-headed boys to dance with . '' `` How ridiculous you are , Jo ! '' But Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself . `` Lucky for you I am , for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal , as you do , we should be in a nice state . Thank goodness , I can always find something funny to keep me up . Do n't croak any more , but come home jolly , there 's a dear . ''
Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the XXXXX , each going a different way , each hugging her little warm turnover , and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather , hard work , and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth .
Goodbye cats day fist glimpse mood something sunshine things wind