The first sound in the morning was her voice as she went about the house singing like a lark , and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound , for the girls never grew too old for that familiar lullaby . CHAPTER TWO A MERRY CHRISTMAS Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning . No stockings hung at the fireplace , and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago , when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies . Then she remembered her mother 's promise and , slipping her hand under her pillow , drew out a little crimson-covered book . She knew it very well , for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived , and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey . She woke Meg with a `` Merry Christmas , '' and bade her see what was under her pillow . A green-covered book appeared , with the same picture inside , and a few words written by their mother , which made their one present very precious in their eyes . Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also , one dove-colored , the other blue , and all sat looking at and talking about them , while the east grew rosy with the coming day . In spite of her small vanities , Margaret had a sweet and pious nature , which unconsciously influenced her sisters , especially Jo , who loved her very tenderly , and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given . `` Girls , '' said Meg seriously , looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond , `` Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books , and we must begin at once . We used to be faithful about it , but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us , we have neglected many things . You can do as you please , but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake , for I know it will do me good and help me through the day . '' Then she opened her new book and began to read . Jo put her arm round her and , leaning cheek to cheek , read also , with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face . `` How good Meg is ! Come , Amy , let 's do as they do . I 'll help you with the hard words , and they 'll explain things if we do n't understand , '' whispered Beth , very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters ' example . `` I 'm glad mine is blue , '' said Amy . and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned , and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting . `` Where is Mother ? ''
asked Meg , as she and XXXXX ran down to thank her for their gifts , half an hour later .
Amy Beth Father Jo Margaret Meg Mother first night war