My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting.

Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for.
I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace." "Poor girls don't stand any chance, Belle says, unless they put themselves forward," sighed Meg.
"Then we'll be old maids," said Jo stoutly.
"Right, Jo.

Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands," said Mrs.March decidedly.

"Don't be troubled, Meg, poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover.

Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls, but so love-worthy that they were not allowed to be old maids.