I put in my list all the busy, useful independent spinsters I know, for liberty is a better husband than love to many of us.

The patience and the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture, the sharpest reproof.

But many of the bravest never are known, and get no praise. That does not lessen their beauty.

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

Some stories are so familiar its like going home.

There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.

…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.