Mona Marshall

The Rebel forces arrive and take control of the town. While looking for a wooden box for the kitten Milky Ann, Jo discovers a runaway slave hiding in the storage shed. His name is John, and he has escaped from the Southern army.

The March sisters receive Bibles from their Mother, and put the lessons they learn into practice right away. When they hear about the poor Hummel family, they give up their Christmas breakfast and spend the morning caring for the family's needs.

Amy and her sisters shelter John under the floor, while Rebel soldiers search for him unsuccessfully. Mother sees him off on his dangerous trip north to safety, supplying him with food and money for the journey. Then the battle begins in earnest.

After Anthony hears the March family is trying to find a new home, he takes them to the house his cousin manages. It is octagonal and strange, but they like it.

It is the day before Christmas, but the March children have no money to buy gifts. Unexpectedly they receive a dollar each, and rush off to buy presents for their mother.

Jo hasn't seen Laurie for a while, so she throws a snowball at his bedroom window. He appears, and explains he has been sick with a cold for a week. Concerned, Jo pays a cheerful call to inquire about his health.

Amy and her family spend the night on a small hill. Next morning, they return to their house only to find it burned and destroyed. They must move north to stay with Aunt March in New England.

Amy and Jo take a walk and along the way meet their neighbor Mr. Laurence. Inviting them to tea, they listen as Laurie plays the beautiful grand piano. They listen with rapture -- but are surprised to see tears well up in his eyes.

Jo visits Aunt March, who is in bed recuperating from angina. When Jo reads the newspaper to her Aunt, she learns of a very interesting speech made by President Lincoln.

Meg works as a tutor for the King children from the richest family in town. Meg is thrilled when she is invited to a party they are giving. However, the next day a theft occurs in the household, and Meg is suspected -- putting an end to her party plans.