`` Hannah will tell us what to do , and we 'll have everything nice when you come home , '' added Beth , getting out her mop and dish tub without delay . `` I think anxiety is very interesting , '' observed Amy , eating sugar pensively . The girls could n't help laughing , and felt better for it , though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation in a sugar bowl . The sight of the turnovers made Jo sober again ; and when the two went out to their daily tasks , they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mother 's face . It was gone , but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony , and there she was , nodding away at them like a rosyfaced mandarin . `` That 's so like my Beth ! '' said Jo , waving her hat , with a grateful face . `` 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 .
XXXXX helps me with the sewing , and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs .
Beth Brooke Jo Laurence Laurie Meg Meggy Mother Washington first