They tried to be calm , poor things , as their mother sat up , looking pale but steady , and put away her grief to think and plan for them . `` Where 's Laurie ? '' she asked presently , when she had collected her thoughts and decided on the first duties to be done . `` Here , ma'am . Oh , let me do something ! '' cried the boy , hurrying from the next room whither he had withdrawn , feeling that their first sorrow was too sacred for even his friendly eyes to see . `` Send a telegram saying I will come at once . The next train goes early in the morning . I 'll take that . '' `` What else ? The horses are ready . I can go anywhere , do anything , '' he said , looking ready to fly to the ends of the earth . `` Leave a note at Aunt March 's . Jo , give me that pen and paper . '' Tearing off the blank side of one of her newly copied pages , Jo drew the table before her mother , well knowing that money for the long , sad journey must be borrowed , and feeling as if she could do anything to add a little to the sum for her father . `` Now go , dear , but do n't kill yourself driving at a desperate pace . There is no need of that . '' Mrs. March 's warning was evidently thrown away , for five minutes later Laurie tore by the window on his own fleet horse , riding as if for his life . `` Jo , run to the rooms , and tell Mrs. King that I ca n't come . On the way get these things .
I 'll put them down , they 'll be needed and I must XXXXX prepared for nursing .
Leave Tearing asked borrowed drew go saying see tried withdrawn