`` How nice my handkerchiefs look , do n't they ? Hannah washed and ironed them for me , and I marked them all myself , '' said Beth , looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labor . `` Bless the child ! She 's gone and put ` Mother ' on them instead of 'M . March ' . How funny ! '' cried Jo , taking one up . `` Is n't that right ? I thought it was better to do it so , because Meg 's initials are M.M. , and I do n't want anyone to use these but Marmee , '' said Beth , looking troubled . `` It 's all right , dear , and a very pretty idea , quite sensible too , for no one can ever mistake now . It will please her very much , I know , '' said Meg , with a frown for Jo and a smile for Beth . `` There 's Mother . Hide the basket , quick ! '' cried Jo , as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall . Amy came in hastily , and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her . `` Where have you been , and what are you hiding behind you ? '' asked Meg , surprised to see , by her hood and cloak , that lazy Amy had been out so early . `` Do n't laugh at me , Jo ! I did n't mean anyone should know till the time came . I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one , and I gave all my money to get it , and I 'm truly trying not to be selfish any more . ''
As she spoke , Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one , and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that XXXXX hugged her on the spot , and Jo pronounced her ' a trump ' , while Beth ran to the window , and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle .
Amy Beth Hannah Jo M.M. Marmee Meg Mother labor right