I did n't mean anyone should know till the time came . I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one , and I gave all my money to get it , and I 'm truly trying not to be selfish any more . '' As she spoke , Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one , and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot , and Jo pronounced her ' a trump ' , while Beth ran to the window , and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle . `` You see I felt ashamed of my present , after reading and talking about being good this morning , so I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up , and I 'm so glad , for mine is the handsomest now . '' Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa , and the girls to the table , eager for breakfast . `` Merry Christmas , Marmee ! Many of them ! Thank you for our books . We read some , and mean to every day , '' they all cried in chorus . `` Merry Christmas , little daughters ! I 'm glad you began at once , and hope you will keep on . But I want to say one word before we sit down . Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby . Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing , for they have no fire . There is nothing to eat over there , and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold . My girls , will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present ? '' They were all unusually hungry , having waited nearly an hour , and for a minute no one spoke , only a minute , for Jo exclaimed impetuously , `` I 'm so glad you came before we began ! '' `` May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children ? '' asked Beth eagerly . `` I shall take the cream and the muffings , '' added Amy , heroically giving up the article she most liked .
XXXXX was already covering the buckwheats , and piling the bread into one big plate .
Amy Beth Jo Meg day fire hour minute morning muffings