When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least.

Ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial.

…marriage, they say, halves one's rights and doubles one's duties.

…on some occasions, women, like dreams, go by contraries.

Jo's eyes sparkled, for it's always pleasant to be believed in; and a friend's praise is always sweeter than a dozen newspaper puffs.

A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.

Mrs. Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady called love, which is apt to ravage communities, spring and autumn, when winter gayety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets of engagements, and set young people to pairing off like the birds.