Never mind what happened just after that , for the full hearts overflowed , washing away the bitterness of the past and leaving only the sweetness of the present . It was not at all romantic , but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again , for Hannah was discovered behind the door , sobbing over the fat turkey , which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen . As the laugh subsided , Mrs. March began to thank Mr. Brooke for his faithful care of her husband , at which Mr. Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr. March needed rest , and seizing Laurie , he precipitately retired . Then the two invalids were ordered to repose , which they did , by both sitting in one big chair and talking hard . Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them , and how , when the fine weather came , he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it , how devoted Brooke had been , and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man . Why Mr. March paused a minute just there , and after a glance at Meg , who was violently poking the fire , looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows , I leave you to imagine . Also why Mrs. March gently nodded her head and asked , rather abruptly , if he would n't like to have something to eat . Jo saw and understood the look , and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea , muttering to herself as she slammed the door , `` I hate estimable young men with brown eyes ! '' There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day . The fat turkey was a sight to behold , when Hannah sent him up , stuffed , browned , and decorated . So was the plum pudding , which melted in one 's mouth , likewise the jellies , in which Amy reveled like a fly in a honeypot . Everything turned out well , which was a mercy , Hannah said , `` For my mind was that flustered , Mum , that it 's a merrycle I did n't roast the pudding , and stuff the turkey with raisins , let alone bilin ' of it in a cloth . '' Mr. Laurence and his grandson dined with them , also Mr. Brooke , at whom Jo glowered darkly , to Laurie 's infinite amusement . Two easy chairs stood side by side at the head of the table , in which sat Beth and her father , feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit . They drank healths , told stories , sang songs , ` reminisced ' , as the old folks say , and had a thoroughly good time . A sleigh ride had been planned , but the girls would not leave their father , so the guests departed early , and as twilight gathered , the happy family sat together round the fire . `` Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected to have . Do you remember ? '' asked Jo , breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things . `` Rather a pleasant year on the whole ! ''
said Meg , smiling at the fire , and congratulating herself on having treated Mr. XXXXX with dignity .
Amy Brooke Laurie March Meg bilin day merrycle pudding raisins