My letter is only a translation of the German song I wanted . I think Mr. Brooke did it , for this is n't Laurie 's writing . '' Mrs. March glanced at Meg , who was looking very pretty in her gingham morning gown , with the little curls blowing about her forehead , and very womanly , as she sat sewing at her little worktable , full of tidy white rolls , so unconscious of the thought in her mother 's mind as she sewed and sang , while her fingers flew and her thoughts were busied with girlish fancies as innocent and fresh as the pansies in her belt , that Mrs. March smiled and was satisfied . `` Two letters for Doctor Jo , a book , and a funny old hat , which covered the whole post office and stuck outside , '' said Beth , laughing as she went into the study where Jo sat writing . `` What a sly fellow Laurie is ! I said I wished bigger hats were the fashion , because I burn my face every hot day . He said , ` Why mind the fashion ? Wear a big hat , and be comfortable ! ' I said I would if I had one , and he has sent me this , to try me . I 'll wear it for fun , and show him I do n't care for the fashion . '' And hanging the antique broad-brim on a bust of Plato , Jo read her letters . One from her mother made her cheeks glow and her eyes fill , for it said to her ... My Dear : I write a little word to tell you with how much satisfaction I watch your efforts to control your temper . You say nothing about your trials , failures , or successes , and think , perhaps , that no one sees them but the Friend whose help you daily ask , if I may trust the well-worn cover of your guidebook . I , too , have seen them all , and heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution , since it begins to bear fruit . Go on , dear , patiently and bravely , and always believe that no one sympathizes more tenderly with you than your loving ... Mother `` That does me good ! That 's worth millions of money and pecks of praise . Oh , Marmee , I do try ! I will keep on trying , and not get tired , since I have you to help me . '' Laying her head on her arms , Jo wet her little romance with a few happy tears , for she had thought that no one saw and appreciated her efforts to be good , and this assurance was doubly precious , doubly encouraging , because unexpected and from the person whose commendation she most valued . Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon , she pinned the note inside her frock , as a shield and a reminder , lest she be taken unaware , and proceeded to open her other letter , quite ready for either good or bad news .
In a big , dashing hand , XXXXX wrote ... Dear Jo , What ho !
Beth Brooke German Jo Laurie Marmee Meg burn day morning