Resolved to take fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.

So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.

Meg's high-heeled slippers were dreadfully tight, and hurt her, though she would not own it; and Jo's nineteen hair-pins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die.

I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.

I'm perfectly miserable; but if you consider me presentable, I die happy.

I hate ordinary people!

It's a great comfort to have an artistic sister.