Jo laughed , and Meg sharply ordered her not to talk , then amiably promised to make her hair curl , and fell asleep to dream of living in her castle in the air . The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed , smoothing a coverlet here , settling a pillow there , and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face , to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed , and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter . As she lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night , the moon broke suddenly from behind the clouds and shone upon her like a bright , benignant face , which seemed to whisper in the silence , `` Be comforted , dear soul ! There is always light behind the clouds . '' CHAPTER SIXTEEN LETTERS In the cold gray dawn the sisters lit their lamp and read their chapter with an earnestness never felt before . For now the shadow of a real trouble had come , the little books were full of help and comfort , and as they dressed , they agreed to say goodbye cheerfully and hopefully , and send their mother on her anxious journey unsaddened by tears or complaints from them . Everything seemed very strange when they went down , so dim and still outside , so full of light and bustle within . Breakfast at that early hour seemed odd , and even Hannah 's familiar face looked unnatural as she flew about her kitchen with her nightcap on . The big trunk stood ready in the hall , Mother 's cloak and bonnet lay on the sofa , and Mother herself sat trying to eat , but looking so pale and worn with sleeplessness and anxiety that the girls found it very hard to keep their resolution . Meg 's eyes kept filling in spite of herself , Jo was obliged to hide her face in the kitchen roller more than once , and the little girls wore a grave , troubled expression , as if sorrow was a new experience to them . Nobody talked much , but as the time drew very near and they sat waiting for the carriage , Mrs. March said to the girls , who were all busied about her , one folding her shawl , another smoothing out the strings of her bonnet , a third putting on her overshoes , and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag ... `` Children , I leave you to Hannah 's care and Mr. Laurence 's protection . Hannah is faithfulness itself , and our good neighbor will guard you as if you were his own . I have no fears for you , yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly . Do n't grieve and fret when I am gone , or think that you can be idle and comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget . Go on with your work as usual , for work is a blessed solace . Hope and keep busy , and whatever happens , remember that you never can be fatherless . '' `` Yes , Mother . '' `` Meg , dear , be prudent , watch over your sisters , consult Hannah , and in any perplexity , go to Mr. Laurence . Be patient , Jo , do n't get despondent or do rash things , write to me often , and be my brave girl , ready to help and cheer all . Beth , comfort yourself with your music , and be faithful to the little home duties , and you , Amy , help all you can , be obedient , and keep happy safe at home . ''
`` We will , XXXXX !
Amy Beth Hannah Jo Laurence Mother hour midnight nightcap sleeplessness