As if awaked by the stir , Hannah started out of her sleep , hurried to the bed , looked at Beth , felt her hands , listened at her lips , and then , throwing her apron over her head , sat down to rock to and fro , exclaiming , under her breath , `` The fever 's turned , she 's sleepin ' nat ` ral , her skin 's damp , and she breathes easy . Praise be given ! Oh , my goodness me ! '' Before the girls could believe the happy truth , the doctor came to confirm it . He was a homely man , but they thought his face quite heavenly when he smiled and said , with a fatherly look at them , `` Yes , my dears , I think the little girl will pull through this time . Keep the house quiet , let her sleep , and when she wakes , give her ... '' What they were to give , neither heard , for both crept into the dark hall , and , sitting on the stairs , held each other close , rejoicing with hearts too full for words . When they went back to be kissed and cuddled by faithful Hannah , they found Beth lying , as she used to do , with her cheek pillowed on her hand , the dreadful pallor gone , and breathing quietly , as if just fallen asleep . `` If Mother would only come now ! '' said Jo , as the winter night began to wane . `` See , '' said Meg , coming up with a white , half-opened rose , `` I thought this would hardly be ready to lay in Beth 's hand tomorrow if she -- went away from us . But it has blossomed in the night , and now I mean to put it in my vase here , so that when the darling wakes , the first thing she sees will be the little rose , and Mother 's face . '' Never had the sun risen so beautifully , and never had the world seemed so lovely as it did to the heavy eyes of Meg and Jo , as they looked out in the early morning , when their long , sad vigil was done . `` It looks like a fairy world , '' said Meg , smiling to herself , as she stood behind the curtain , watching the dazzling sight . `` Hark ! '' cried Jo , starting to her feet . Yes , there was a sound of bells at the door below , a cry from Hannah , and then Laurie 's voice saying in a joyful whisper , `` Girls , she 's come ! She 's come ! '' CHAPTER NINETEEN AMY 'S WILL While these things were happening at home , Amy was having hard times at Aunt March 's . She felt her exile deeply , and for the first time in her life , realized how much she was beloved and petted at home . Aunt March never petted any one ; she did not approve of it , but she meant to be kind , for the well-behaved little girl pleased her very much , and Aunt March had a soft place in her old heart for her nephew 's children , though she did n't think it proper to confess it .
She really did her best to make XXXXX happy , but , dear me , what mistakes she made .
Amy Beth Laurie Meg Mother dears first fro ral sleepin