`` I do n't think it 's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things , and other girls nothing at all , '' added little Amy , with an injured sniff . `` We 've got Father and Mother , and each other , '' said Beth contentedly from her corner . The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words , but darkened again as Jo said sadly , `` We have n't got Father , and shall not have him for a long time . '' She did n't say `` perhaps never , '' but each silently added it , thinking of Father far away , where the fighting was . Nobody spoke for a minute ; then Meg said in an altered tone , `` You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone ; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure , when our men are suffering so in the army . We ca n't do much , but we can make our little sacrifices , and ought to do it gladly . But I am afraid I do n't , '' and Meg shook her head , as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted . `` But I do n't think the little we should spend would do any good . We 've each got a dollar , and the army would n't be much helped by our giving that . I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you , but I do want to buy Undine and Sintran for myself . I 've wanted it so long , '' said Jo , who was a bookworm . `` I planned to spend mine in new music , '' said Beth , with a little sigh , which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle-holder . `` I shall get a nice box of Faber 's drawing pencils ; I really need them , '' said Amy decidedly . `` Mother did n't say anything about our money , and she wo n't wish us to give up everything . Let 's each buy what we want , and have a little fun ; I 'm sure we work hard enough to earn it , '' cried Jo , examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner . `` I know I do -- teaching those tiresome children nearly all day , when I 'm longing to enjoy myself at home , '' began Meg , in the complaining tone again . `` You do n't have half such a hard time as I do , '' said Jo . `` How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous , fussy old lady , who keeps you trotting , is never satisfied , and worries you till you 're ready to fly out the window or cry ? '' `` It 's naughty to fret , but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world . It makes me cross , and my hands get so stiff , I ca n't practice well at all . ''
And XXXXX looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time .
Amy Beth Father Jo Meg bookworm day hours kettle-holder minute