CHAPTER TWO

A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also, one dove-colored, the other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

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.

"Girls," 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 I 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."

1. Who woke up in the gray dawn of Christmas morning?
2. How many sisters are in this passage?
3. Did the mother keep up her promise?
4. What was under Jo's pillow?
5. How did she wake Meg up?
6. WHat color books did Beth and Amy achieved?
7. Who had a pious nature of all the sisters?
8. Who loved her the most?
9. What did Meg advise her sisters?
10. Were there any stockings hung at the fireplace?

Provide a numbered list of answers.
1. Jo.
2. Six.
3. No.
4. A book.
5. "Merry Christmas,"
6. One dove-colored, the other blue,
7. Margaret.
8. Jo.
9. Mother wants us to read.
10. No.