is the motto for that table , but do your duty like men , and you 'll get your money 's worth of art in every sense of the word , '' said the irrepressible Jo , as the devoted phalanx prepared to take the field . `` To hear is to obey , but March is fairer far than May , '' said little Parker , making a frantic effort to be both witty and tender , and getting promptly quenched by Laurie , who said ... `` Very well , my son , for a small boy ! '' and walked him off , with a paternal pat on the head . `` Buy the vases , '' whispered Amy to Laurie , as a final heaping of coals of fire on her enemy 's head . To May 's great delight , Mr. Laurence not only bought the vases , but pervaded the hall with one under each arm . The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles , and wandered helplessly about afterward , burdened with wax flowers , painted fans , filigree portfolios , and other useful and appropriate purchases . Aunt Carrol was there , heard the story , looked pleased , and said something to Mrs. March in a corner , which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction , and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety , though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later . The fair was pronounced a success , and when May bade Amy goodnight , she did not gush as usual , but gave her an affectionate kiss , and a look which said ` forgive and forget ' . That satisfied Amy , and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each . `` The reward of merit for a magnanimous March , '' as Laurie announced with a flourish . `` You 've a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for , Amy . You 've behaved sweetly , and I respect you with all my heart , '' said Jo warmly , as they brushed their hair together late that night . `` Yes , we all do , and love her for being so ready to forgive . It must have been dreadfully hard , after working so long and setting your heart on selling your own pretty things . I do n't believe I could have done it as kindly as you did , '' added Beth from her pillow . `` Why , girls , you need n't praise me so . I only did as I 'd be done by . You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady , but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners , and I try to do it as far as I know how . I ca n't explain exactly , but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women . I 'm far from it now , but I do my best , and hope in time to be what Mother is . ''
XXXXX spoke earnestly , and Jo said , with a cordial hug , `` I understand now what you mean , and I 'll never laugh at you again .
Amy Carrol Laurie Mother Parker fire meannesses portfolios rashness trifles