I told Mother I'd do the errands, and I haven't," said Jo decidedly.
"Which will you have, Beth?
There ain't no need of but one," aid Hannah.
"Jo, please." And Beth leaned her head against her sister with a contented look, which effectually settled that point.
"I'll go and tell Amy," said Meg, feeling a little hurt, yet rather relieved on the whole, for she did not like nursing, and Jo did.
Amy rebelled outright, and passionately declared that she had rather have the fever than go to Aunt March.

Meg reasoned, pleaded, and commanded, all in vain.

Amy protested that she would not go, and Meg left her in despair to ask Hannah what should be done.

Before she came back, Laurie walked into the parlor to find Amy sobbing, with her head in the sofa cushions.

She told her story, expecting to be consoled, but Laurie only put his hands in his pockets and walked about the room, whistling softly, as he knit his brows in deep thought.