beth

"We've got Father and Mother, and each other," said Beth contentedly from her corner.

"I planned to spend mine in new music," said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle holder.

It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff, I can't practice well at all." And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time.

"Birds in their little nests agree," sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the "pecking" ended for that time.

So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish, and playing brother to us girls," said Beth, stroking the rough head with a hand that all the dish washing and dusting in the world could not make ungentle in its touch.

"If Jo is a tomboy and Amy a goose, what am I, please?" asked Beth, ready to share the lecture.

Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth- haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a ;peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed.

The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm.

"I thought I'd get her some with my dollar," said Beth.

"I'll tell you what we'll do," said Beth, "let's each get her something for Christmas, land not get anything for ourselves."

I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.

Jo gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright, while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest.