They all drew to the fire, mother in the big chalr, with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chalr, and J
o leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one little was sald of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the home-sickness conquered; It was a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news; and only at the end did the writer's heart overflow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home. "Glve them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully, that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women." Everybody sniffed when they came to that part; Jo wasn't ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother's shoulder and sobbed out, "I am a selfish pig! but I'll truly try to be better, so he mayn't be disappointed in me by and by." "We all will!" cried Meg. "I think too much of my looks, and hate to work, but won't any more, if I can help it." "I'll try and be what he loves to call me, 'a little woman,' and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here Instead of wanting to be What does the passage reflect about life during the Civil War? 01. Fashion was still important for girls during the war. 02. Communication home was a rare occurrence during the war. O 3. Women made significant contributions to winning the war. 4. The war had great impact on families at home.
