It 's a dreadfully unjust world , '' said Meg bitterly . `` Jo and I are going to make fortunes for you all . Just wait ten years , and see if we do n't , '' said Amy , who sat in a corner making mud pies , as Hannah called her little clay models of birds , fruit , and faces . `` Ca n't wait , and I 'm afraid I have n't much faith in ink and dirt , though I 'm grateful for your good intentions . '' Meg sighed , and turned to the frostbitten garden again . Jo groaned and leaned both elbows on the table in a despondent attitude , but Amy spatted away energetically , and Beth , who sat at the other window , said , smiling , `` Two pleasant things are going to happen right away . Marmee is coming down the street , and Laurie is tramping through the garden as if he had something nice to tell . '' In they both came , Mrs. March with her usual question , `` Any letter from Father , girls ? '' and Laurie to say in his persuasive way , `` Wo n't some of you come for a drive ? I 've been working away at mathematics till my head is in a muddle , and I 'm going to freshen my wits by a brisk turn . It 's a dull day , but the air is n't bad , and I 'm going to take Brooke home , so it will be gay inside , if it is n't out . Come , Jo , you and Beth will go , wo n't you ? '' `` Of course we will . '' `` Much obliged , but I 'm busy . '' And Meg whisked out her workbasket , for she had agreed with her mother that it was best , for her at least , not to drive too often with the young gentleman . `` We three will be ready in a minute , '' cried Amy , running away to wash her hands . `` Can I do anything for you , Madam Mother ? '' asked Laurie , leaning over Mrs. March 's chair with the affectionate look and tone he always gave her . `` No , thank you , except call at the office , if you 'll be so kind , dear . It 's our day for a letter , and the postman has n't been .
XXXXX is as regular as the sun , but there 's some delay on the way , perhaps . ''
Beth Brooke Father Hannah Laurie Mother minute muddle right workbasket