`` Much obliged , but I 'm busy . '' And Meg whisked out her workbasket , for she had agreed with her mother that it was best , for her at least , not to drive too often with the young gentleman . `` We three will be ready in a minute , '' cried Amy , running away to wash her hands . `` Can I do anything for you , Madam Mother ? '' asked Laurie , leaning over Mrs. March 's chair with the affectionate look and tone he always gave her . `` No , thank you , except call at the office , if you 'll be so kind , dear . It 's our day for a letter , and the postman has n't been . Father is as regular as the sun , but there 's some delay on the way , perhaps . '' A sharp ring interrupted her , and a minute after Hannah came in with a letter . `` It 's one of them horrid telegraph things , mum , '' she said , handling it as if she was afraid it would explode and do some damage . At the word ` telegraph ' , Mrs. March snatched it , read the two lines it contained , and dropped back into her chair as white as if the little paper had sent a bullet to her heart . Laurie dashed downstairs for water , while Meg and Hannah supported her , and Jo read aloud , in a frightened voice ... Mrs. March : Your husband is very ill . Come at once . S. HALE Blank Hospital , Washington . How still the room was as they listened breathlessly , how strangely the day darkened outside , and how suddenly the whole world seemed to change , as the girls gathered about their mother , feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them . Mrs. March was herself again directly , read the message over , and stretched out her arms to her daughters , saying , in a tone they never forgot , `` I shall go at once , but it may be too late . Oh , children , children , help me to bear it ! '' 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 , XXXXX her mistress a warm shake of the hand with her own hard one , and went away to work like three women in one .
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