Mrs. March, the girls and Laurie were sitting together on a dull November afternoon when Hannah hurried into the room with a telegram (电报). Mrs. March read it, and then dropped it to the floor, her face white and her hands shaking. Jo picked up the telegram and read it to the others in a frightened voice. Mrs. March: Your husband is very ill. Come at once. S. Hale, Blank Hospital, Washington.
All their happiness vanished in a moment.
"I shall go at once," said Mrs. March, "but it may be too late. Oh, my children!"
For several minutes, there was only the sound of crying, and then Hannah hurried away to get things ready for the long journey.
"Laurie, send a telegram and say that I'll come at once," said Mrs. March. "The next train goes early in the morning. Now, I must write a note to Aunt March."
Laurie went off to take the note to Aunt March and to send the telegram. Jo went to fetch some things from the shops, and Amy and Meg helped their mother to get ready.
Laurie came back with a letter and money from Aunt March, but Jo did not return. It was late afternoon when she came back and gave her mother some money. "That's to help make Father comfortable and to bring him home," she said.
"Twenty-five dollars!" said Mrs. March. "My dear, but where did you get it?" Jo took off her hat.
"Your hair, your beautiful hair!" cried Amy. All Jo's lovely, long, thick hair was cut short. "Jo, how could you?" cried Meg.
"My dear girl, there was no need for this," said Mrs. March.
"She doesn't look like my Jo, but I love her dearly for doing it!" said Beth, and she began to cry.
"Don't cry, Beth," said Jo. "I'll soon have curly hair again, which will be short and easy to keep tidy."
But later, when Amy and Beth were asleep and Meg was lying awake, she heard Jo crying.
"Are you crying about Father, Jo?" she asked.
"No, not now. It's my hair," cried Jo. "I'd do it again if I could. But ▲ , and the selfish bit of me is making me cry. Don't tell anyone. I'll be all right in the morning.
① Mrs March received a telegram. ② Jo cried at night. ③ Jo cut her long hair.
④ Mr. March was sent to hospital. ⑤Jo returned with some money.
