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

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, "We haven't got Father, and shall not have him for a long time." She didn't say "perhaps never," but each silently added it, thinking of Father far away, where the fighting was.

"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.

"I shall get a nice box of Faber's drawing pencils; I really need them," said Amy decidedly.