Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

There was no answer except her sister's cheek against her own, not even tears, for when most deeply moved, Jo did not cry.

It was all over by nine o'clock and with good night kisses for everyone, the little girls climbed up to bed laden with treasures and too happy for many words. But as they tied their round caps Dolly said, thoughtfully: "On the whole, I think it's rather nice to be poor when people are kind to you.

Yes, Father, I have played so many parts that I shall not fail now but enjoy the masquerade, since I have a partner in it

Then let me advise you to take up your little burdens again; for though they seem heavy sometimes, they are good for us, and lighten as we learn to carry them. Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for everyone; it keeps us from ennui and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion.

If people care more for my clothes than they do for me, I don't wish to see them.

Aunt March received them with her usual hospitality. What do you want now? she asked

contuve mis lagrimas hasta que se hubiese marchado. ¿Por qué he de quejarme cuando no hemos hecho más que lo correcto y al fin seremos más felices por haberlo hecho?

Rose: A real sacrifice is giving up something you want or enjoy very much, isn't it? Alec: Yes. Rose: Doing it one's own self because one loves another person very much and wants her to be happy? Alec: Yes. Rose: And doing it pleasantly, and being glad about it, and not minding the praise if it doesn't come? Alec: Yes dear, that is the true spirit of self-sacrifice...

Mademoiselle, you are an angel! exclaimed Vetrey. Have no fear of further molestation, this gentleman's time is up, he'll never trouble you again for I shall guard him till he is shot tomorrow. A convict's doom, Mademoiselle, and from it there is no escape.

Surely there is some redress for me, some safety in this land of law and liberty. I claim entire freedom from this man's persecution; I will hide no longer, here I shall remain and let him molest me at his peril.

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.

As I sat there, the town clock struck twelve, and the sound reminded me of the legend, which affirms that all dumb animals are endowed with speech for one hour after midnight on Christmas Eve, in memory of the animals who lingered near the manger when the blessed Christ Child was born.

Fire, and deepen Rosamond's detestation by adding another murder to your list of crimes.

Yes, and when I have my flock, I'll just point to you, and say 'There's your model, my lads'.

You do not know him. He has no pity, and my defiance will but increase the excitement of the pursuit. I am solitary, poor and a woman; he powerful, rich and a man whom all fear. The world which rejects me though I am innocent will welcome him, the guilty, and uphold him.

Había aprendido no solamente la amargura del remordimiento y de la desesperación, sino también la dulzura de la abnegación y del dominio de sí misma.

This added a subtle sting to the retribution already darkening over him, for he who had won and wasted love so wantonly all his life now pined for it with a longing which nothing could appease, and pined in vain.

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

You have been running, Jo. How could you? When will you stop such romping ways? said Meg reprovingly.

Pausing an instant on the threshold before she vanished from their sight, she looked backward, and fixing on Gerald the strange glance he remembered well, she said in her penetrating voice, Is not the last scene better than the first?

Out came Meg, with gray horse-hair hanging about her face, a red and black robe, a staff, and cabalistic signs upon her cloak.

It's so dreadful to be poor! sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress. I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all

Mine first—mine last— mine even in the grave!

I only know that it's the way of the world; and people who set themselves against it, only get laughed at for their pains.