`` We never are too old for this , my dear , because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another . Our burdens are here , our road is before us , and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City . Now , my little pilgrims , suppose you begin again , not in play , but in earnest , and see how far on you can get before Father comes home . '' `` Really , Mother ? Where are our bundles ? '' asked Amy , who was a very literal young lady . `` Each of you told what your burden was just now , except Beth . I rather think she has n't got any , '' said her mother . `` Yes , I have . Mine is dishes and dusters , and envying girls with nice pianos , and being afraid of people . '' Beth 's bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh , but nobody did , for it would have hurt her feelings very much . `` Let us do it , '' said Meg thoughtfully . `` It is only another name for trying to be good , and the story may help us , for though we do want to be good , it 's hard work and we forget , and do n't do our best . '' `` We were in the Slough of Despond tonight , and Mother came and pulled us out as Help did in the book . We ought to have our roll of directions , like Christian . What shall we do about that ? '' asked Jo , delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty . `` Look under your pillows Christmas morning , and you will find your guidebook , '' replied Mrs. March . They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table , then out came the four little work baskets , and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March . It was uninteresting sewing , but tonight no one grumbled .
They adopted XXXXX 's plan of dividing the long seams into four parts , and calling the quarters Europe , Asia , Africa , and America , and in that way got on capitally , especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them .
Amy Beth City Despond Father Hannah Jo Meg Mother dusters