Coffee was a treat , and Hannah showed great tact in making it that morning . No one could resist her persuasive nods , or the fragrant invitation issuing from the nose of the coffee pot . They drew up to the table , exchanged their handkerchiefs for napkins , and in ten minutes were all right again . '' ` Hope and keep busy ' , that 's the motto for us , so let 's see who will remember it best . I shall go to Aunt March , as usual . Oh , wo n't she lecture though ! '' said Jo , as she sipped with returning spirit . `` I shall go to my Kings , though I 'd much rather stay at home and attend to things here , '' said Meg , wishing she had n't made her eyes so red . `` No need of that . Beth and I can keep house perfectly well , '' put in Amy , with an important air . `` Hannah will tell us what to do , and we 'll have everything nice when you come home , '' added Beth , getting out her mop and dish tub without delay . `` I think anxiety is very interesting , '' observed Amy , eating sugar pensively . The girls could n't help laughing , and felt better for it , though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation in a sugar bowl . The sight of the turnovers made Jo sober again ; and when the two went out to their daily tasks , they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mother 's face . It was gone , but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony , and there she was , nodding away at them like a rosyfaced mandarin . `` That 's so like my Beth ! '' said Jo , waving her hat , with a grateful face . `` Goodbye , Meggy , I hope the Kings wo n't strain today . Do n't fret about Father , dear , '' she added , as they parted . `` And I hope Aunt March wo n't croak .
Your hair is becoming , and it looks very boyish and nice , '' returned XXXXX , trying not to smile at the curly head , which looked comically small on her tall sister 's shoulders .
Amy Beth Father Hannah Jo Meg Meggy daily morning right