As young readers like to know ` how people look ' , we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters , who sat knitting away in the twilight , while the December snow fell quietly without , and the fire crackled cheerfully within . It was a comfortable room , though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain , for a good picture or two hung on the walls , books filled the recesses , chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows , and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it . Margaret , the eldest of the four , was sixteen , and very pretty , being plump and fair , with large eyes , plenty of soft brown hair , a sweet mouth , and white hands , of which she was rather vain . Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall , thin , and brown , and reminded one of a colt , for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs , which were very much in her way . She had a decided mouth , a comical nose , and sharp , gray eyes , which appeared to see everything , and were by turns fierce , funny , or thoughtful . Her long , thick hair was her one beauty , but it was usually bundled into a net , to be out of her way . Round shoulders had Jo , big hands and feet , a flyaway look to her clothes , and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and did n't like it . Elizabeth , or Beth , as everyone called her , was a rosy , smooth-haired , bright-eyed girl of thirteen , with a shy manner , a timid voice , and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed . Her father called her ` Little Miss Tranquility ' , and the name suited her excellently , for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own , only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved . Amy , though the youngest , was a most important person , in her own opinion at least . A regular snow maiden , with blue eyes , and yellow hair curling on her shoulders , pale and slender , and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners . What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out . The clock struck six and , having swept up the hearth , Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm . Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls , for Mother was coming , and everyone brightened to welcome her . Meg stopped lecturing , and lighted the lamp , Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked , and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze . `` They are quite worn out . Marmee must have a new pair . '' `` I thought I 'd get her some with my dollar , '' said Beth . `` No , I shall ! '' cried Amy .
`` I 'm the oldest , '' began XXXXX , but Jo cut in with a decided , `` I 'm the man of the family now Papa is away , and I shall provide the slippers , for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone . ''
Amy Beth Jo Margaret Meg Mother Tranquility fire recesses twilight