We will ! '' The rattle of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen . That was the hard minute , but the girls stood it well . No one cried , no one ran away or uttered a lamentation , though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to Father , remembering , as they spoke that it might be too late to deliver them . They kissed their mother quietly , clung about her tenderly , and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away . Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off , and Mr. Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him ` Mr. Greatheart ' on the spot . `` Good-by , my darlings ! God bless and keep us all ! '' whispered Mrs. March , as she kissed one dear little face after the other , and hurried into the carriage . As she rolled away , the sun came out , and looking back , she saw it shining on the group at the gate like a good omen . They saw it also , and smiled and waved their hands , and the last thing she beheld as she turned the corner was the four bright faces , and behind them like a bodyguard , old Mr. Laurence , faithful Hannah , and devoted Laurie . `` How kind everyone is to us ! '' she said , turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young man 's face . `` I do n't see how they can help it , '' returned Mr. Brooke , laughing so infectiously that Mrs. March could not help smiling . And so the journey began with the good omens of sunshine , smiles , and cheerful words . `` I feel as if there had been an earthquake , '' said Jo , as their neighbors went home to breakfast , leaving them to rest and refresh themselves . `` It seems as if half the house was gone , '' added Meg forlornly . Beth opened her lips to say something , but could only point to the pile of nicely mended hose which lay on Mother 's table , showing that even in her last hurried moments she had thought and worked for them . It was a little thing , but it went straight to their hearts , and in spite of their brave resolutions , they all broke down and cried bitterly . Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings , and when the shower showed signs of clearing up , she came to the rescue , armed with a coffeepot .
`` Now , my dear young ladies , remember what your ma XXXXX , and do n't fret .
beheld brave came cried keep leaving remembering said showing worked