There does n't seem to be anything to hold on to when Mother 's gone , so I 'm all at sea . '' `` Well , do n't make a porcupine of yourself , it is n't becoming . Settle your wig , Jo , and tell me if I shall telegraph to your mother , or do anything ? '' asked Laurie , who never had been reconciled to the loss of his friend 's one beauty . `` That is what troubles me , '' said Meg . `` I think we ought to tell her if Beth is really ill , but Hannah says we must n't , for Mother ca n't leave Father , and it will only make them anxious . Beth wo n't be sick long , and Hannah knows just what to do , and Mother said we were to mind her , so I suppose we must , but it does n't seem quite right to me . '' `` Hum , well , I ca n't say . Suppose you ask Grandfather after the doctor has been . '' `` We will . Jo , go and get Dr. Bangs at once , '' commanded Meg . `` We ca n't decide anything till he has been . '' `` Stay where you are , Jo . I 'm errand boy to this establishment , '' said Laurie , taking up his cap . `` I 'm afraid you are busy , '' began Meg . `` No , I 've done my lessons for the day . '' `` Do you study in vacation time ? '' asked Jo . `` I follow the good example my neighbors set me , '' was Laurie 's answer , as he swung himself out of the room . `` I have great hopes for my boy , '' observed Jo , watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile .
`` He does very well , for a boy , '' was XXXXX 's somewhat ungracious answer , for the subject did not interest her .
Bangs Beth Father Hannah Jo Laurie Meg Mother porcupine right