`` 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 . Meg , my dear , I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments . I 'm proud to shake this good , industrious little hand , and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away . '' If Meg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor , she received it in the hearty pressure of her father 's hand and the approving smile he gave her . `` What about Jo ? Please say something nice , for she has tried so hard and been so very , very good to me , '' said Beth in her father 's ear . He laughed and looked across at the tall girl who sat opposite , with an unusually mild expression in her face . `` In spite of the curly crop , I do n't see the ` son Jo ' whom I left a year ago , '' said Mr. March . `` I see a young lady who pins her collar straight , laces her boots neatly , and neither whistles , talks slang , nor lies on the rug as she used to do . Her face is rather thin and pale just now , with watching and anxiety , but I like to look at it , for it has grown gentler , and her voice is lower . She does n't bounce , but moves quietly , and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me . I rather miss my wild girl , but if I get a strong , helpful , tenderhearted woman in her place , I shall feel quite satisfied . I do n't know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep , but I do know that in all Washington I could n't find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars my good girl sent me . '' Jo 's keen eyes were rather dim for a minute , and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight as she received her father 's praise , feeling that she did deserve a portion of it .
`` Now , XXXXX , '' said Amy , longing for her turn , but ready to wait .
Beth Jo Meg Washington burn first labor left minute whistles