in spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.
"Girl" said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, " mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. we used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. you can do as you please, but / shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as i wake, for i know it will do me good, and help me through the day.