`` 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 Meg 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 . `` You see I felt ashamed of my present , after reading and talking about being good this morning , so I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up , and I 'm so glad , for mine is the handsomest now . '' Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa , and the girls to the table , eager for breakfast . `` Merry Christmas , Marmee ! Many of them ! Thank you for our books . We read some , and mean to every day , '' they all cried in chorus . `` Merry Christmas , little daughters ! I 'm glad you began at once , and hope you will keep on . But I want to say one word before we sit down . Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby .
Six children are huddled into one bed to XXXXX from freezing , for they have no fire .
came felt hiding hope keep lies ran saw sounded spoke