As everyone exclaimed , and Beth hugged the cropped head tenderly , Jo assumed an indifferent air , which did not deceive anyone a particle , and said , rumpling up the brown bush and trying to look as if she liked it , `` It does n't affect the fate of the nation , so do n't wail , Beth . It will be good for my vanity , I was getting too proud of my wig . It will do my brains good to have that mop taken off . My head feels deliciously light and cool , and the barber said I could soon have a curly crop , which will be boyish , becoming , and easy to keep in order . I 'm satisfied , so please take the money and let 's have supper . '' `` Tell me all about it , Jo . I am not quite satisfied , but I ca n't blame you , for I know how willingly you sacrificed your vanity , as you call it , to your love . But , my dear , it was not necessary , and I 'm afraid you will regret it one of these days , '' said Mrs. March . `` No , I wo n't ! '' returned Jo stoutly , feeling much relieved that her prank was not entirely condemned . `` What made you do it ? '' asked Amy , who would as soon have thought of cutting off her head as her pretty hair . `` Well , I was wild to do something for Father , '' replied Jo , as they gathered about the table , for healthy young people can eat even in the midst of trouble . `` I hate to borrow as much as Mother does , and I knew Aunt March would croak , she always does , if you ask for a ninepence . Meg gave all her quarterly salary toward the rent , and I only got some clothes with mine , so I felt wicked , and was bound to have some money , if I sold the nose off my face to get it . '' `` You need n't feel wicked , my child ! You had no winter things and got the simplest with your own hard earnings , '' said Mrs. March with a look that warmed Jo 's heart . `` I had n't the least idea of selling my hair at first , but as I went along I kept thinking what I could do , and feeling as if I 'd like to dive into some of the rich stores and help myself . In a barber 's window I saw tails of hair with the prices marked , and one black tail , not so thick as mine , was forty dollars . It came to me all of a sudden that I had one thing to make money out of , and without stopping to think , I walked in , asked if they bought hair , and what they would give for mine . ''
`` I do n't see how you dared to do it , '' said XXXXX in a tone of awe .
Amy Beth Jo Meg Mother days dollars first ninepence quarterly