Jo was the first to wake. She remembered her mother's promise, and, putting her hand under her pillow(枕头), drew out a little red-covered book. She loved it. She woke Meg up and asked her to see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared. Then Beth and Amy woke, to find their little books also.
"Girls, " said Meg seriously, "Mother wants us to read and love these books, and we must begin at once. I shall read a little every morning, for I know it will do me good. "
And then they opened the new books and read. The rooms were very quiet, and the winter sunshine shone in to touch the serious faces with a Christmas greeting.
"Where is Mother?" asked Meg, as she ran down to thank her for their gifts, half an hour later.
"Some poor men come for help, and Mrs. March went straight off to see what was needed, " replied Hannah, who was considered more as a friend than a servant.
"She will be back soon, so we must get everything ready, " said Meg, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket, ready to be given to their mother at the proper time. "Why, where is Amy's bottle of cologne(古龙香水)?" she wondered.
"She took it out a minute ago, " replied Jo.
"There's Mother. Hide the basket, quick!" cried Jo, as door opened, and steps sounded in the hall.
Amy hurried in, and looked rather ashamed(羞愧的) when she saw her sisters all waiting for her.
"Where have you been, and what are you hiding behind you?" asked Meg, surprised to see that lazy Amy had been out so early.
"You see, I felt ashamed of my present, so I ran round the corner and changed the little bottle for a big one and I gave all my money for it; and I'm truly trying not to be selfish any more. "
Another bang(砰砰作响) of the street door sent the girls to the table.
"Merry Christmas, Marmee! Thank you for our books; we love them, " they said together.
"Merry Christmas, little daughters! I'm glad you like the books. But I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far from here lies a poor woman with a little new-born baby. They were suffering hunger and cold. My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?"
They were all unusually hungry, having waited for nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spoke; only a minute, for Jo said, "I'm so glad you came before we began!"
(From Little Women)
