Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

You don't have half such a hard time as I do, said Jo. How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you're ready to fly out the window or cry?

operatic tragedy began.

They were very happy, even after they discovered that they couldn't live on love alone.

you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.

She felt as if she had stabbed her dearest friend, and when he left her without a look behind him, she knew that the boy Laurie never would come again.

Stay is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.

the big vases, that could not hide the vacancies her pretty

dear me, let us be elegant or die.

For, as quick to hear her sobbing as she had been to hear her sister's faintest whisper, her mother came to comfort her, not with words only, but the patient tenderness that soothes by a touch, tears that were mute reminders of a greater grief than Jo's, and broken whispers, more eloquent than prayers, because hopeful resignation went hand-in-hand with natural sorrow.

That was a very happy breakfast, thoughthey didn't get any of it. And when they went away, leaving comfortbehind, I think there were not in all the city four merrier peoplethan the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts andcontented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning.

My castle is very different from what I planned, but I would not alter it...

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 couldn't have got through the ay without that, for whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine.

Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of justice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.

Oh, don't I wish I could manage things for you as I do for my heroines! You're pretty enough and good enough already, so I'd have some rich relation leave you a fortune unexpectedly; then you'd dash out as an heiress, scorn everyone who has slighted you, go abroad, and como home my Lady Something in a blaze of splendor and elegance.

What a pleasant life she might have if only she chose! I don' envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think.

If you loved me, Jo, I should be a perfect saint, for you could make me anything you like.

though the antique Luxembourg Gardens suit me better.

Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life, for love casts our fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.

Boys are trying enough to human patience, goodness knows, but girls are infinitely more so, especially to nervous gentlemen with tyrannical tempers…

Because, dear, I don't think you suited to one another. As friends you are very happy, and your frequent quarrels soon blow over, but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life. You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love.

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.

I don't believe any of you suffer as I do, cried Amy, for you don't have to go to school with impertinent girls, who plague you if you don't know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn't rich, and insult you when your nose isn't nice.

It's nice to have accomplishments and be elegant, but not to show off or get perked up." "These things are always seen and felt in a person's manner and conversations, if modestly used, but it is not necessary to display them.

Never mind. Little girls shouldn't ask questions." 'Now if there is anything mortifying to our feelings when we are young, it is to be told that, and to be bidden to "run away, dear" is still more trying to us.