“Oughtn’t I to be there?”

“Not all the time, too much confinement makes you nervous, and then you are unfitted for everything.  Besides, you owe something to John as well as to the babies.  Don’t neglect husband for children, don’t shut him out of the nursery, but teach him how to help in it.  His place is there as well as yours, and the children need him.  Let him feel that he has a part to do, and he will do it gladly and faithfully, and it will be better for you all.”

“You really think so, Mother?”

“I know it, Meg, for I’ve tried it, and I seldom give advice unless I’ve proved its practicability.  When you and Jo were little, I went on just as you are, feeling as if I didn’t do my duty unless I devoted myself wholly to you.  Poor Father took to his books, after I had refused all offers of help, and left me to try my experiment alone.  I struggled along as well as I could, but Jo was too much for me.  I nearly spoiled her by indulgence.  You were poorly, and I worried about you till I fell sick myself.  Then Father came to the rescue, quietly managed everything, and made himself so helpful that I saw my mistake, and never have been able to got on without him since.  That is the secret of our home happiness.  He does not let business wean him from the little cares and duties that affect us all, and I try not to let domestic worries destroy my interest in his pursuits.  Each do our part alone in many things, but at home we work together, always.”

“It is so, Mother, and my great wish is to be to my husband and children what you have been to yours.  Show me how, I’ll do anything you say.”

“You always were my docile daughter.  Well, dear, if I were you, I’d let John have more to do with the management of Demi, for the boy needs training, and it’s none too soon to begin.  Then I’d do what I have often proposed, let Hannah come and help you.  She is a capital nurse, and you may trust the precious babies to her while you do more housework.  You need the exercise, Hannah would enjoy the rest, and John would find his wife again.  Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather.  Then I’d try to take an interest in whatever John likes—­talk with him, let him read to you, exchange ideas, and help each other in that way.  Don’t shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take your part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours.”

“John is so sensible, I’m afraid he will think I’m stupid if I ask questions about politics and things.”

“I don’t believe he would.  Love covers a multitude of sins, and of whom could you ask more freely than of him?  Try it, and see if he doesn’t find your society far more agreeable than Mrs. Scott’s suppers.”

“I will.  Poor John!  I’m afraid I have neglected him sadly, but I thought I was right, and he never said anything.”