Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke, but the face opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude but Beth’s, and after sewing thoughtfully for a minute, Jo said, “I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able to explain them. Why, Mother, Beth’s eighteen, but we don’t realize it, and treat her like a child, forgetting she’s a woman.”
---- 「Chapter 32, Tender Troubles」 중에서

This household happiness did not come all at once, but John and Meg had found the key to it, and each year of married life taught them how to use it, unlocking the treasuries of real home love and mutual helpfulness, which the poorest may possess, and the richest cannot buy.
---- 「Chapter 38, On the Shelf」 중에서

“I like it,” said Mrs. March decidedly.
“So do I,” added her husband, who welcomed the thought of a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern youth.
“It will be an immense care for Jo,” said Meg, stroking the head of her one all-absorbing son.
“Jo can do it, and be happy in it. It’s a splendid idea. Tell us all about it,” cried Mr. Laurence, who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand, but knew that they would refuse his help.