asked Jo , when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring . `` I read in Pilgrim 's Progress today how , after many troubles , Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow where lilies bloomed all year round , and there they rested happily , as we do now , before they went on to their journey 's end , '' answered Beth , adding , as she slipped out of her father 's arms and went to the instrument , `` It 's singing time now , and I want to be in my old place . I 'll try to sing the song of the shepherd boy which the Pilgrims heard . I made the music for Father , because he likes the verses . '' So , sitting at the dear little piano , Beth softly touched the keys , and in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again , sang to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn , which was a singularly fitting song for her . He that is down need fear no fall , He that is low no pride . He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his guide . I am content with what I have , Little be it , or much . And , Lord ! Contentment still I crave , Because Thou savest such . Fulness to them a burden is , That go on pilgrimage . Here little , and hereafter bliss , Is best from age to age ! CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION Like bees swarming after their queen , mother and daughters hovered about Mr. March the next day , neglecting everything to look at , wait upon , and listen to the new invalid , who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness . As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beth 's sofa , with the other three close by , and Hannah popping in her head now and then ` to peek at the dear man ' , nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness . But something was needed , and the elder ones felt it , though none confessed the fact . Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxious expression , as their eyes followed Meg . Jo had sudden fits of sobriety , and was seen to shake her fist at Mr. Brooke 's umbrella , which had been left in the hall . Meg was absent-minded , shy , and silent , started when the bell rang , and colored when John 's name was mentioned . Amy said , `` Everyone seemed waiting for something , and could n't settle down , which was queer , since Father was safe at home , '' and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors did n't run over as usual . Laurie went by in the afternoon , and seeing Meg at the window , seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit , for he fell down on one knee in the snow , beat his breast , tore his hair , and clasped his hands imploringly , as if begging some boon .
And when XXXXX told him to behave himself and go away , he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief , and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair .
Amy Christian Father Hannah Jo Laurie Meg afternoon peek year