In they both came , Mrs. March with her usual question , `` Any letter from Father , girls ? '' and Laurie to say in his persuasive way , `` Wo n't some of you come for a drive ? I 've been working away at mathematics till my head is in a muddle , and I 'm going to freshen my wits by a brisk turn . It 's a dull day , but the air is n't bad , and I 'm going to take Brooke home , so it will be gay inside , if it is n't out . Come , Jo , you and Beth will go , wo n't you ? '' `` Of course we will . '' `` Much obliged , but I 'm busy . '' And Meg whisked out her workbasket , for she had agreed with her mother that it was best , for her at least , not to drive too often with the young gentleman . `` We three will be ready in a minute , '' cried Amy , running away to wash her hands . `` Can I do anything for you , Madam Mother ? '' asked Laurie , leaning over Mrs. March 's chair with the affectionate look and tone he always gave her . `` No , thank you , except call at the office , if you 'll be so kind , dear . It 's our day for a letter , and the postman has n't been . Father is as regular as the sun , but there 's some delay on the way , perhaps . '' A sharp ring interrupted her , and a minute after Hannah came in with a letter . `` It 's one of them horrid telegraph things , mum , '' she said , handling it as if she was afraid it would explode and do some damage . At the word ` telegraph ' , Mrs. March snatched it , read the two lines it contained , and dropped back into her chair as white as if the little paper had sent a bullet to her heart . Laurie dashed downstairs for water , while Meg and Hannah supported her , and Jo read aloud , in a frightened voice ... Mrs. March : Your husband is very ill . Come at once . S. HALE Blank Hospital , Washington .
How still the room was as they listened breathlessly , how strangely the day darkened outside , and how suddenly the whole world seemed to change , as the girls gathered about their XXXXX , feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them .
Madam anything drive hands head home mother office postman ring