The big trunk stood ready in the hall , Mother 's cloak and bonnet lay on the sofa , and Mother herself sat trying to eat , but looking so pale and worn with sleeplessness and anxiety that the girls found it very hard to keep their resolution . Meg 's eyes kept filling in spite of herself , Jo was obliged to hide her face in the kitchen roller more than once , and the little girls wore a grave , troubled expression , as if sorrow was a new experience to them . Nobody talked much , but as the time drew very near and they sat waiting for the carriage , Mrs. March said to the girls , who were all busied about her , one folding her shawl , another smoothing out the strings of her bonnet , a third putting on her overshoes , and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag ... `` Children , I leave you to Hannah 's care and Mr. Laurence 's protection . Hannah is faithfulness itself , and our good neighbor will guard you as if you were his own . I have no fears for you , yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly . Do n't grieve and fret when I am gone , or think that you can be idle and comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget . Go on with your work as usual , for work is a blessed solace . Hope and keep busy , and whatever happens , remember that you never can be fatherless . '' `` Yes , Mother . '' `` Meg , dear , be prudent , watch over your sisters , consult Hannah , and in any perplexity , go to Mr. Laurence . Be patient , Jo , do n't get despondent or do rash things , write to me often , and be my brave girl , ready to help and cheer all . Beth , comfort yourself with your music , and be faithful to the little home duties , and you , Amy , help all you can , be obedient , and keep happy safe at home . '' `` We will , Mother ! 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 XXXXX us all ! ''
blessed brave cheer clung cried drew guard keep kissed talked