Unknown voice“I don’t think it’s fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,”
NarratorThe four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly,
Unknown voice“You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. We can’t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I am afraid I don’t,”
Unknown voice“But I don’t think the little we should spend would do any good. We’ve each got a dollar, and the army wouldn’t be much helped by our giving that. I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you, but I do want to buy _Undine and Sintran_ for myself. I’ve wanted it so long,”
Unknown voice“Mother didn’t say anything about our money, and she won’t wish us to give up everything. Let’s each buy what we want, and have a little fun; I’m sure we work hard enough to earn it,”