As they gathered about the table , Mrs. March said , with a particularly happy face , `` I 've got a treat for you after supper . '' A quick , bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine . Beth clapped her hands , regardless of the biscuit she held , and Jo tossed up her napkin , crying , `` A letter ! A letter ! Three cheers for Father ! '' `` Yes , a nice long letter . He is well , and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared . He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas , and an especial message to you girls , '' said Mrs. March , patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there . `` Hurry and get done ! Do n't stop to quirk your little finger and simper over your plate , Amy , '' cried Jo , choking on her tea and dropping her bread , butter side down , on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat . Beth ate no more , but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come , till the others were ready . `` I think it was so splendid in Father to go as chaplain when he was too old to be drafted , and not strong enough for a soldier , '' said Meg warmly . `` Do n't I wish I could go as a drummer , a vivan -- what 's its name ? Or a nurse , so I could be near him and help him , '' exclaimed Jo , with a groan . `` It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent , and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things , and drink out of a tin mug , '' sighed Amy . `` When will he come home , Marmee ? '' asked Beth , with a little quiver in her voice . `` Not for many months , dear , unless he is sick . He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can , and we wo n't ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared . Now come and hear the letter . ''
They all drew to the fire , Mother in the big chair with XXXXX at her feet , Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair , and Jo leaning on the back , where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching .
Amy Beth Father Marmee Meg choking minute months quiver simper