Go on with your work as usual , for work is a blessed solace . Hope and keep busy , and whatever happens , remember that you never can be fatherless . '' `` Yes , Mother . '' `` Meg , dear , be prudent , watch over your sisters , consult Hannah , and in any perplexity , go to Mr. Laurence . Be patient , Jo , do n't get despondent or do rash things , write to me often , and be my brave girl , ready to help and cheer all . Beth , comfort yourself with your music , and be faithful to the little home duties , and you , Amy , help all you can , be obedient , and keep happy safe at home . '' `` We will , Mother ! We will ! '' The rattle of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen . That was the hard minute , but the girls stood it well . No one cried , no one ran away or uttered a lamentation , though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to Father , remembering , as they spoke that it might be too late to deliver them . They kissed their mother quietly , clung about her tenderly , and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away . Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off , and Mr. Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him ` Mr. Greatheart ' on the spot . `` Good-by , my darlings ! God bless and keep us all ! '' whispered Mrs. March , as she kissed one dear little face after the other , and hurried into the carriage . As she rolled away , the sun came out , and looking back , she saw it shining on the group at the gate like a good omen . They saw it also , and smiled and waved their hands , and the last thing she beheld as she turned the corner was the four bright faces , and behind them like a bodyguard , old Mr. Laurence , faithful Hannah , and devoted Laurie . `` How kind everyone is to us ! '' she said , turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young man 's face .
`` I do n't see how they can help it , '' returned Mr. XXXXX , laughing so infectiously that Mrs. March could not help smiling .
Beth Brooke Father Greatheart Hannah Jo Laurence Meg Mother darlings