`` Goodbye , Meggy , I hope the Kings wo n't strain today . Do n't fret about Father , dear , '' she added , as they parted . `` And I hope Aunt March wo n't croak . Your hair is becoming , and it looks very boyish and nice , '' returned Meg , trying not to smile at the curly head , which looked comically small on her tall sister 's shoulders . `` That 's my only comfort . '' And , touching her hat a la Laurie , away went Jo , feeling like a shorn sheep on a wintry day . News from their father comforted the girls very much , for though dangerously ill , the presence of the best and tenderest of nurses had already done him good . Mr. Brooke sent a bulletin every day , and as the head of the family , Meg insisted on reading the dispatches , which grew more cheerful as the week passed . At first , everyone was eager to write , and plump envelopes were carefully poked into the letter box by one or other of the sisters , who felt rather important with their Washington correspondence . As one of these packets contained characteristic notes from the party , we will rob an imaginary mail , and read them . My dearest Mother : It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us , for the news was so good we could n't help laughing and crying over it . How very kind Mr. Brooke is , and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence 's business detains him near you so long , since he is so useful to you and Father . The girls are all as good as gold . Jo helps me with the sewing , and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs . I should be afraid she might overdo , if I did n't know her ` moral fit ' would n't last long . Beth is as regular about her tasks as a clock , and never forgets what you told her . She grieves about Father , and looks sober except when she is at her little piano . Amy minds me nicely , and I take great care of her . She does her own hair , and I am teaching her to make buttonholes and mend her stockings . She tries very hard , and I know you will be pleased with her improvement when you come .
Mr. Laurence watches over us like a motherly old hen , as XXXXX says , and Laurie is very kind and neighborly .
Brooke Father Jo Laurence Laurie Meg Mother Washington day first