they go out to fight their
battles in the world. Honesty, courage, industry, faith in God, their
fellow-creatures, and themselves; that is all I try for."

"That is every thing. Give them these helps, then let them go to work
out their life as men and women; and whatever their success or failure
is, I think they will remember and bless your efforts, my good son and
daughter."

The Professor had joined them, and as Mr. March spoke he gave a hand
to each, and left them with a look that was a blessing. As Jo and her
husband stood together for a moment talking quietly, and feeling that
their summer work had been well done if father approved, Mr. Laurie
slipped into the hall, said a word to the children, and all of a sudden
the whole flock pranced into the room, joined hands and danced about
Father and Mother Bhaer, singing blithely,

"Summer days are over,
Summer work is done;
Harvests have been gathered
Gayly one by one.
Now the feast is eaten,
Finished is the play;
But one rite remains for
Our Thanksgiving-day.
"Best of all the harvest
In the dear God's sight,
Are the happy children
In the home to-night;
And we come to offer
Thanks where thanks are due,
With grateful hearts and voices,
Father, mother, unto you."

With the last words the circle narrowed till the good Professor and his
wife were taken prisoner by many arms, and half hidden by the bouquet of
laughing young faces which surrounded them, proving that one plant had
taken root and blossomed beautifully in all the little gardens. For love
is a flower that grows in any soil, works its sweet miracles undaunted
by autumn frost or winter snow, blooming fair and fragrant all the year,
and blessing those who give and those who receive.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Men, by Louisa May Alcott

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