The color deepened in Jo 's cheeks as she answered , with the look of mingled pleasure , pride , and pain which young girls wear when speaking of first lovers , `` I 'm afraid it is so , Mother . He has n't said anything , but he looks a great deal . I think I had better go away before it comes to anything . '' `` I agree with you , and if it can be managed you shall go . '' Jo looked relieved , and after a pause , said , smiling , `` How Mrs. Moffat would wonder at your want of management , if she knew , and how she will rejoice that Annie may still hope . '' `` Ah , Jo , mothers may differ in their management , but the hope is the same in all -- the desire to see their children happy . Meg is so , and I am content with her success . You I leave to enjoy your liberty till you tire of it , for only then will you find that there is something sweeter . Amy is my chief care now , but her good sense will help her . For Beth , I indulge no hopes except that she may be well . By the way , she seems brighter this last day or two . Have you spoken to her ? ' `` Yes , she owned she had a trouble , and promised to tell me by-and-by . I said no more , for I think I know it , '' and Jo told her little story . Mrs. March shook her head , and did not take so romantic a view of the case , but looked grave , and repeated her opinion that for Laurie 's sake Jo should go away for a time . `` Let us say nothing about it to him till the plan is settled , then I 'll run away before he can collect his wits and be tragic . Beth must think I 'm going to please myself , as I am , for I ca n't talk about Laurie to her . But she can pet and comfort him after I 'm gone , and so cure him of this romantic notion . He 's been through so many little trials of the sort , he 's used to it , and will soon get over his lovelornity . '' Jo spoke hopefully , but could not rid herself of the foreboding fear that this ` little trial ' would be harder than the others , and that Laurie would not get over his ` lovelornity ' as easily as heretofore .
The XXXXX was talked over in a family council and agreed upon , for Mrs. Kirke gladly accepted Jo , and promised to make a pleasant home for her .
cheeks children desire mothers pain plan pleasure sort success trials