They were sitting together when Hannah hurried in with a telegram. Mrs March read it, then dropped it, her hands shaking. Jo picked up the telegram and read it in a frightened voice: "Mrs March: Your husband is very ill. Come at once. S. Hale, Blank Hospital, Washington."
The girls moved close to their mother. All their happiness had vanished in a moment. "I shall go at once," said Mrs March. "Where's Laurie?"
"Here," said the boy. "Send a telegram back," said Mrs March. "The next train goes early in the morning. Now, I must write a note to Aunt March."
Jo knew that the money for the journey must be borrowed from Aunt March, and she too wanted to do something to help.
Laurie went off to take the note to Aunt March and to send the telegram. Jo went to fetch some things from the shops.
"Father will need good food and wine," said Mrs March. "Beth, go and ask Mr Laurence for a couple of bottles of wine."
Laurie came back with a letter and money from Aunt March, but Jo did not return. It was late afternoon when she came and gave her mother some money.
"That's to help make Father comfortable," she said.
"Twenty five dollars!" said Mrs March. "My dear, where did you get it?"
Jo took off her hat.
"Your beautiful hair!" cried Beth.
"Don't cry, Beth," said Jo. "I'll soon have a curly head again."
After their mother went away, they all helped Hannah with housework. News of their father came through, at first telling them he was dangerously ill, but then saying he was slowly getting better.
A continued B. varied C. disappeared D. burst
