`` 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 Jo '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 . At nine they stopped work , and sang , as usual , before they went to bed . No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano , but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang . Meg had a voice like a flute , and she and her mother led the little choir . Amy chirped like a cricket , and Jo wandered through the airs at her own sweet will , always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune . They had always done this from the time they could lisp ... Crinkle , crinkle , ` ittle ` tar , and it had become a household custom , for the mother was a born singer . 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 XXXXX with a `` Merry Christmas , '' and bade her see what was under her pillow .
Africa Beth Christian Crinkle Despond Hannah Jo Meg Mother first