Do you remember ? '' asked Jo , breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things . `` Rather a pleasant year on the whole ! '' said Meg , smiling at the fire , and congratulating herself on having treated Mr. Brooke with dignity . `` I think it 's been a pretty hard one , '' observed Amy , watching the light shine on her ring with thoughtful eyes . `` I 'm glad it 's over , because we 've got you back , '' whispered Beth , who sat on her father 's knee . `` Rather a rough road for you to travel , my little pilgrims , especially the latter part of it . But you have got on bravely , and I think the burdens are in a fair way to tumble off very soon , '' said Mr. March , looking with fatherly satisfaction at the four young faces gathered round him . `` How do you know ? Did Mother tell you ? '' asked Jo . `` Not much . Straws show which way the wind blows , and I 've made several discoveries today . '' `` Oh , tell us what they are ! '' cried Meg , who sat beside him . `` Here is one . '' And taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair , he pointed to the roughened forefinger , a burn on the back , and two or three little hard spots on the palm . `` I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth , and your first care was to keep it so . It was very pretty then , but to me it is much prettier now , for in this seeming blemishes I read a little history . A burnt offering has been made to vanity , this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters , and I 'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time , so much good will went into the stitches .
XXXXX , my dear , I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments .
Amy Beth Brooke Meg Mother burn congratulating fire first year