cried Meg , and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter . `` Glad to find you so merry , my girls , '' said a cheery voice at the door , and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall , motherly lady with a ` can I help you ' look about her which was truly delightful . She was not elegantly dressed , but a noble-looking woman , and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world . `` Well , dearies , how have you got on today ? There was so much to do , getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow , that I did n't come home to dinner . Has anyone called , Beth ? How is your cold , Meg ? Jo , you look tired to death . Come and kiss me , baby . '' While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off , her warm slippers on , and sitting down in the easy chair , drew Amy to her lap , preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day . The girls flew about , trying to make things comfortable , each in her own way . Meg arranged the tea table , Jo brought wood and set chairs , dropping , over-turning , and clattering everything she touched . Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen , quiet and busy , while Amy gave directions to everyone , as she sat with her hands folded . As they gathered about the table , Mrs. March said , with a particularly happy face , `` I 've got a treat for you after supper . '' A quick , bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine . Beth clapped her hands , regardless of the biscuit she held , and Jo tossed up her napkin , crying , `` A letter ! A letter ! Three cheers for Father ! '' `` Yes , a nice long letter . He is well , and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared .
He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas , and an especial message to you girls , '' XXXXX Mrs. March , patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there .
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