There was plenty of food in the larder , and while Beth and Amy set the table , Meg and Jo got breakfast , wondering as they did why servants ever talked about hard work . `` I shall take some up to Mother , though she said we were not to think of her , for she 'd take care of herself , '' said Meg , who presided and felt quite matronly behind the teapot . So a tray was fitted out before anyone began , and taken up with the cook 's compliments . The boiled tea was very bitter , the omelet scorched , and the biscuits speckled with saleratus , but Mrs. March received her repast with thanks and laughed heartily over it after Jo was gone . `` Poor little souls , they will have a hard time , I 'm afraid , but they wo n't suffer , and it will do them good , '' she said , producing the more palatable viands with which she had provided herself , and disposing of the bad breakfast , so that their feelings might not be hurt , a motherly little deception for which they were grateful . Many were the complaints below , and great the chagrin of the head cook at her failures . `` Never mind , I 'll get the dinner and be servant , you be mistress , keep your hands nice , see company , and give orders , '' said Jo , who knew still less than Meg about culinary affairs . This obliging offer was gladly accepted , and Margaret retired to the parlor , which she hastily put in order by whisking the litter under the sofa and shutting the blinds to save the trouble of dusting . Jo , with perfect faith in her own powers and a friendly desire to make up the quarrel , immediately put a note in the office , inviting Laurie to dinner . `` You 'd better see what you have got before you think of having company , '' said Meg , when informed of the hospitable but rash act . `` Oh , there 's corned beef and plenty of potatoes , and I shall get some asparagus and a lobster , ` for a relish ' , as Hannah says . We 'll have lettuce and make a salad . I do n't know how , but the book tells . I 'll have blanc mange and strawberries for dessert , and coffee too , if you want to be elegant . '' `` Do n't try too many messes , Jo , for you ca n't make anything but gingerbread and molasses candy fit to eat . I wash my hands of the dinner party , and since you have asked Laurie on your own responsibility , you may just take care of him . '' `` I do n't want you to do anything but be civil to him and help to the pudding . You 'll give me your advice if I get in a muddle , wo n't you ? '' asked Jo , rather hurt . `` Yes , but I do n't know much , except about bread and a few trifles .
You had better ask Mother 's leave before you order anything , '' returned XXXXX prudently .
Beth Hannah Jo Meg Mother lettuce pudding teapot trifles viands