louisa-may-alcott

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.

Prosperity suits some people, and they blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, and are the sweeter for a touch of frost.

_wisely mingled poetry and prose.

_a woman's always safe and comfortable when a fellow's down on his luck.

On, I don't think I'm a genius!' cried Josie, growing calm and sober as she listened to the melodious voice and looked into the expressive face that filled her with confidence, so strong, sincere and kindly was it. 'I only want to find out if I have talent enough to go on, and after years of study be able to act well in any of the good plays people never tire of seeing. I don't expected to be a Mrs. Siddons or a Miss Cameron, much as I long to be; but it does seem as if I had something in me which can't come out in any way but this. When I act I'm perfectly happy. I seem to live, to be in my own world, and each new part is a new friend. I love Shakespeare, and am never tired of his splendid people. Of course I don't understand it all; but it's like being alone at night with the mountains and the stars, solemn and grand, and I try to imagine how it will look when the sun comes up, and all is glorious and clear to me. I can't see, but I feel the beauty, and long to express it.

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

_because talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.

Boys don't gush, so I can stand it. The last time I let in a party of girls, one fell into my arms and said, "Darling, love me!" I wanted to shake her,' answered Mrs. Jo, wiping her pen with energy.

That was all I wanted!" whispered Polly, in a tone which caused him to feel that the race of angels was not entirely extinct.

Six weeks is a long time to wait, and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret_

I don't think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in mind since you told me that_

_in silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow.

Don't try to make me grow up before my time_

_growing pale and sober with the thought that her fate was soon to be decided; for, like all young people, she was sure that her whole life could be settled by one human creature, quite forgetting how wonderfully Providence trains us by disappointment, surprises us with unexpected success, and turns our seeming trials into blessing.

Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.

She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as no one else can. She is unlike any girl I ever saw; there__ no sentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She says what she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as true as steel.

_for action is always easier than quiet waiting.