`` Put one in mine then , that I wish all my curls cut off , and given round to my friends . I forgot it , but I want it done though it will spoil my looks . '' Laurie added it , smiling at Amy 's last and greatest sacrifice . Then he amused her for an hour , and was much interested in all her trials . But when he came to go , Amy held him back to whisper with trembling lips , `` Is there really any danger about Beth ? '' `` I 'm afraid there is , but we must hope for the best , so do n't cry , dear . '' And Laurie put his arm about her with a brotherly gesture which was very comforting . When he had gone , she went to her little chapel , and sitting in the twilight , prayed for Beth , with streaming tears and an aching heart , feeling that a million turquoise rings would not console her for the loss of her gentle little sister . CHAPTER TWENTY CONFIDENTIAL I do n't think I have any words in which to tell the meeting of the mother and daughters . Such hours are beautiful to live , but very hard to describe , so I will leave it to the imagination of my readers , merely saying that the house was full of genuine happiness , and that Meg 's tender hope was realized , for when Beth woke from that long , healing sleep , the first objects on which her eyes fell were the little rose and Mother 's face . Too weak to wonder at anything , she only smiled and nestled close in the loving arms about her , feeling that the hungry longing was satisfied at last . Then she slept again , and the girls waited upon their mother , for she would not unclasp the thin hand which clung to hers even in sleep . Hannah had ` dished up ' an astonishing breakfast for the traveler , finding it impossible to vent her excitement in any other way , and Meg and Jo fed their mother like dutiful young storks , while they listened to her whispered account of Father 's state , Mr. Brooke 's promise to stay and nurse him , the delays which the storm occasioned on the homeward journey , and the unspeakable comfort Laurie 's hopeful face had given her when she arrived , worn out with fatigue , anxiety , and cold . What a strange yet pleasant day that was . So brilliant and gay without , for all the world seemed abroad to welcome the first snow . So quiet and reposeful within , for everyone slept , spent with watching , and a Sabbath stillness reigned through the house , while nodding Hannah mounted guard at the door . With a blissful sense of burdens lifted off , Meg and Jo closed their weary eyes , and lay at rest , like storm-beaten boats safe at anchor in a quiet harbor . Mrs. March would not leave Beth 's side , but rested in the big chair , waking often to look at , touch , and brood over her child , like a miser over some recovered treasure . Laurie meanwhile posted off to comfort Amy , and told his story so well that Aunt March actually ` sniffed ' herself , and never once said `` I told you so '' . Amy came out so strong on this occasion that I think the good thoughts in the little chapel really began to bear fruit .
She dried her tears quickly , restrained her impatience to see her mother , and never even thought of the turquoise ring , when the old lady heartily agreed in XXXXX 's opinion , that she behaved ` like a capital little woman ' .
Brooke Father Laurie Mother Sabbath day first hours storks twilight