Chapter 9 Meg goes to vanity fair.

Right Jo, better be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands. Don't be troubled. Poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover. Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls, but so lovely-worthy that they were not allowed to be old maids. Leave these things to time. make this home happy, so that you may be fit for your homes of your own, if they are offered you and contented here if they are not. One thing remember, my girls. Mother is always ready to be your confident. Father to be your friend, and both of us hope and trust that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and confidence of our lives.
说的对，乔，做个快乐的老处女，胜过那些不快乐的妻子或是到处跑着找丈夫的不正经的女孩子。不要为此而烦恼，梅格，贫困是不会击倒一个诚挚的恋人的。我所认识的一些最出色的最尊贵的女士也出身寒门，但是爱神并未让他们成为老处女，耐心等待吧。让这个家庭变得快乐，这样你们自己有一个家时才能承担起责任，如果没有，就可以在这儿知足的生活着。只需记住一件事，我的女儿们，妈妈时刻愿意做你们的知己，爸爸也是你们的朋友，我们俩都希望我们的女儿不管是结婚还是独身。都将成为我们生活中的骄傲和慰藉。