I was so glad of that . They got up a masquerade , and had a gay time New Year 's Eve . I did n't mean to go down , having no dress . But at the last minute , Mrs. Kirke remembered some old brocades , and Miss Norton lent me lace and feathers . So I dressed up as Mrs. Malaprop , and sailed in with a mask on . No one knew me , for I disguised my voice , and no one dreamed of the silent , haughty Miss March -LRB- for they think I am very stiff and cool , most of them , and so I am to whippersnappers -RRB- could dance and dress , and burst out into a ` nice derangement of epitaphs , like an allegory on the banks of the Nile ' . I enjoyed it very much , and when we unmasked it was fun to see them stare at me . I heard one of the young men tell another that he knew I 'd been an actress , in fact , he thought he remembered seeing me at one of the minor theaters . Meg will relish that joke . Mr. Bhaer was Nick Bottom , and Tina was Titania , a perfect little fairy in his arms . To see them dance was ` quite a landscape ' , to use a Teddyism . I had a very happy New Year , after all , and when I thought it over in my room , I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures , for I 'm cheerful all the time now , work with a will , and take more interest in other people than I used to , which is satisfactory . Bless you all ! Ever your loving ... Jo CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR FRIEND Though very happy in the social atmosphere about her , and very busy with the daily work that earned her bread and made it sweeter for the effort , Jo still found time for literary labors . The purpose which now took possession of her was a natural one to a poor and ambitious girl , but the means she took to gain her end were not the best . She saw that money conferred power , money and power , therefore , she resolved to have , not to be used for herself alone , but for those whom she loved more than life . The dream of filling home with comforts , giving Beth everything she wanted , from strawberries in winter to an organ in her bedroom , going abroad herself , and always having more than enough , so that she might indulge in the luxury of charity , had been for years Jo 's most cherished castle in the air . The prize-story experience had seemed to open a way which might , after long traveling and much uphill work , lead to this delightful chateau en Espagne . But the novel disaster quenched her courage for a time , for public opinion is a giant which has frightened stouter-hearted Jacks on bigger beanstalks than hers . Like that immortal hero , she reposed awhile after the first attempt , which resulted in a tumble and the least lovely of the giant 's treasures , if I remember rightly .
But the ` up again and take another ' spirit was as strong in Jo as in Jack , so she scrambled up on the shady side this XXXXX and got more booty , but nearly left behind her what was far more precious than the moneybags .
Miss Mr. Mrs. arms attempt courage giant hero purpose time