Meg spoke earnestly , and forgot herself entirely till something in the brown eyes looking down at her made her remember the cooling tea , and lead the way into the parlor , saying she would call her mother . Everything was arranged by the time Laurie returned with a note from Aunt March , enclosing the desired sum , and a few lines repeating what she had often said before , that she had always told them it was absurd for March to go into the army , always predicted that no good would come of it , and she hoped they would take her advice the next time . Mrs. March put the note in the fire , the money in her purse , and went on with her preparations , with her lips folded tightly in a way which Jo would have understood if she had been there . The short afternoon wore away . All other errands were done , and Meg and her mother busy at some necessary needlework , while Beth and Amy got tea , and Hannah finished her ironing with what she called a ` slap and a bang ' , but still Jo did not come . They began to get anxious , and Laurie went off to find her , for no one knew what freak Jo might take into her head . He missed her , however , and she came walking in with a very queer expression of countenance , for there was a mixture of fun and fear , satisfaction and regret in it , which puzzled the family as much as did the roll of bills she laid before her mother , saying with a little choke in her voice , `` That 's my contribution toward making Father comfortable and bringing him home ! '' `` My dear , where did you get it ? Twenty-five dollars ! Jo , I hope you have n't done anything rash ? '' `` No , it 's mine honestly . I did n't beg , borrow , or steal it . I earned it , and I do n't think you 'll blame me , for I only sold what was my own . '' As she spoke , Jo took off her bonnet , and a general outcry arose , for all her abundant hair was cut short . `` Your hair ! Your beautiful hair ! '' `` Oh , Jo , how could you ? Your one beauty . '' `` My dear girl , there was no need of this . '' `` She does n't look like my Jo any more , but I love her dearly for it ! ''
As everyone exclaimed , and Beth hugged the cropped head tenderly , XXXXX assumed an indifferent air , which did not deceive anyone a particle , and said , rumpling up the brown bush and trying to look as if she liked it , `` It does n't affect the fate of the nation , so do n't wail , Beth .
Amy Beth Father Hannah Jo Laurie Meg afternoon dollars errands