She woke Meg with a `` Merry Christmas , '' and bade her see what was under her pillow . A green-covered book appeared , with the same picture inside , and a few words written by their mother , which made their one present very precious in their eyes . Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also , one dove-colored , the other blue , and all sat looking at and talking about them , while the east grew rosy with the coming day . In spite of her small vanities , Margaret had a sweet and pious nature , which unconsciously influenced her sisters , especially Jo , who loved her very tenderly , and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given . `` Girls , '' said Meg seriously , looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond , `` Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books , and we must begin at once . We used to be faithful about it , but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us , we have neglected many things . You can do as you please , but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake , for I know it will do me good and help me through the day . '' Then she opened her new book and began to read . Jo put her arm round her and , leaning cheek to cheek , read also , with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face . `` How good Meg is ! Come , Amy , let 's do as they do . I 'll help you with the hard words , and they 'll explain things if we do n't understand , '' whispered Beth , very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters ' example . `` I 'm glad mine is blue , '' said Amy . and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned , and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting . `` Where is Mother ? '' asked Meg , as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts , half an hour later . `` Goodness only knows . Some poor creeter came a-beggin ' , and your ma went straight off to see what was needed . There never was such a woman for givin ' away vittles and drink , clothes and firin ' , '' replied Hannah , who had lived with the family since Meg was born , and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant . `` She will be back soon , I think , so fry your cakes , and have everything ready , '' said Meg , looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa , ready to be produced at the proper time .
`` Why , where is XXXXX 's bottle of cologne ? ''
Amy Beth Father Hannah Margaret a-beggin givin morning vittles war