"I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, lovely and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy...I'd rather see you poor mens' wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace....better be happy old maids than unhappy wives of unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands."
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott