exclaimed Beth , who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all things . `` Not quite , '' replied Jo modestly . `` I do think The Witches Curse , an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing , but I 'd like to try Macbeth , if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo . I always wanted to do the killing part . ` Is that a dagger that I see before me ? '' muttered Jo , rolling her eyes and clutching at the air , as she had seen a famous tragedian do . `` No , it 's the toasting fork , with Mother 's shoe on it instead of the bread . Beth 's stage-struck ! '' cried Meg , and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter . `` Glad to find you so merry , my girls , '' said a cheery voice at the door , and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall , motherly lady with a ` can I help you ' look about her which was truly delightful . She was not elegantly dressed , but a noble-looking woman , and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world . `` Well , dearies , how have you got on today ? There was so much to do , getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow , that I did n't come home to dinner . Has anyone called , Beth ? How is your cold , Meg ? Jo , you look tired to death . Come and kiss me , baby . '' While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off , her warm slippers on , and sitting down in the easy chair , drew Amy to her lap , preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day . The girls flew about , trying to make things comfortable , each in her own way . Meg arranged the tea table , Jo brought wood and set chairs , dropping , over-turning , and clattering everything she touched .
Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen , quiet and busy , while XXXXX gave directions to everyone , as she sat with her hands folded .
Amy Banquo Beth Jo Meg Mother dagger day hour over-turning