asked Amy , who liked to have things explained as they went along . `` Her son , she said , who was in the army . How friendly such things make strangers feel , do n't they ? She talked away all the time the man clipped , and diverted my mind nicely . '' `` Did n't you feel dreadfully when the first cut came ? '' asked Meg , with a shiver . `` I took a last look at my hair while the man got his things , and that was the end of it . I never snivel over trifles like that . I will confess , though , I felt queer when I saw the dear old hair laid out on the table , and felt only the short rough ends of my head . It almost seemed as if I 'd an arm or leg off . The woman saw me look at it , and picked out a long lock for me to keep . I 'll give it to you , Marmee , just to remember past glories by , for a crop is so comfortable I do n't think I shall ever have a mane again . '' Mrs. March folded the wavy chestnut lock , and laid it away with a short gray one in her desk . She only said , `` Thank you , deary , '' but something in her face made the girls change the subject , and talk as cheerfully as they could about Mr. Brooke 's kindness , the prospect of a fine day tomorrow , and the happy times they would have when Father came home to be nursed . No one wanted to go to bed when at ten o'clock Mrs. March put by the last finished job , and said , `` Come girls . '' Beth went to the piano and played the father 's favorite hymn . All began bravely , but broke down one by one till Beth was left alone , singing with all her heart , for to her music was always a sweet consoler . `` Go to bed and do n't talk , for we must be up early and shall need all the sleep we can get . Good night , my darlings , '' said Mrs. March , as the hymn ended , for no one cared to try another . They kissed her quietly , and went to bed as silently as if the dear invalid lay in the next room .
Beth and XXXXX soon fell asleep in spite of the great trouble , but Meg lay awake , thinking the most serious thoughts she had ever known in her short life .
Amy Beth Father Marmee Meg consoler darlings mane o'clock trifles