For several minutes there was nothing but the sound of sobbing in the room , mingled with broken words of comfort , tender assurances of help , and hopeful whispers that died away in tears . Poor Hannah was the first to recover , and with unconscious wisdom she set all the rest a good example , for with her , work was panacea for most afflictions . `` The Lord keep the dear man ! I wo n't waste no time a-cryin ' , but git your things ready right away , mum , '' she said heartily , as she wiped her face on her apron , gave her mistress a warm shake of the hand with her own hard one , and went away to work like three women in one . `` She 's right , there 's no time for tears now . Be calm , girls , and let me think . '' They tried to be calm , poor things , as their mother sat up , looking pale but steady , and put away her grief to think and plan for them . `` Where 's Laurie ? '' she asked presently , when she had collected her thoughts and decided on the first duties to be done . `` Here , ma'am . Oh , let me do something ! '' cried the boy , hurrying from the next room whither he had withdrawn , feeling that their first sorrow was too sacred for even his friendly eyes to see . `` Send a telegram saying I will come at once . The next train goes early in the morning . I 'll take that . '' `` What else ? The horses are ready . I can go anywhere , do anything , '' he said , looking ready to fly to the ends of the earth . `` Leave a note at Aunt March 's . Jo , give me that pen and paper . ''
Tearing off the blank side of one of her newly copied pages , XXXXX drew the table before her mother , well knowing that money for the long , sad journey must be borrowed , and feeling as if she could do anything to add a little to the sum for her father .
Hannah Jo Laurie a-cryin first minutes morning panacea right whither