`` Oh , really , I beg pardon . It 's an uncommonly fine one , is n't it ? '' said Tudor , with great presence of mind , and an air of sober interest that did credit to his breeding . Amy recovered herself in a breath , set her basket boldly on the seat , and said , laughing , `` Do n't you wish you were to have some of the salad he 's going to make , and to see the charming young ladies who are to eat it ? '' Now that was tact , for two of the ruling foibles of the masculine mind were touched . The lobster was instantly surrounded by a halo of pleasing reminiscences , and curiosity about ` the charming young ladies ' diverted his mind from the comical mishap . `` I suppose he 'll laugh and joke over it with Laurie , but I sha n't see them , that 's a comfort , '' thought Amy , as Tudor bowed and departed . She did not mention this meeting at home -LRB- though she discovered that , thanks to the upset , her new dress was much damaged by the rivulets of dressing that meandered down the skirt -RRB- , but went through with the preparations which now seemed more irksome than before , and at twelve o'clock all was ready again . Feeling that the neighbors were interested in her movements , she wished to efface the memory of yesterday 's failure by a grand success today , so she ordered the ` cherry bounce ' , and drove away in state to meet and escort her guests to the banquet . `` There 's the rumble , they 're coming ! I 'll go onto the porch and meet them . It looks hospitable , and I want the poor child to have a good time after all her trouble , '' said Mrs. March , suiting the action to the word . But after one glance , she retired , with an indescribable expression , for looking quite lost in the big carriage , sat Amy and one young lady . `` Run , Beth , and help Hannah clear half the things off the table . It will be too absurd to put a luncheon for twelve before a single girl , '' cried Jo , hurrying away to the lower regions , too excited to stop even for a laugh . In came Amy , quite calm and delightfully cordial to the one guest who had kept her promise . The rest of the family , being of a dramatic turn , played their parts equally well , and Miss Eliott found them a most hilarious set , for it was impossible to control entirely the merriment which possessed them . The remodeled lunch being gaily partaken of , the studio and garden visited , and art discussed with enthusiasm , Amy ordered a buggy -LRB- alas for the elegant cherry-bounce -RRB- , and drove her friend quietly about the neighborhood till sunset , when ` the party went out ' . As she came walking in , looking very tired but as composed as ever , she observed that every vestige of the unfortunate fete had disappeared , except a suspicious pucker about the corners of Jo 's mouth . `` You 've had a loverly afternoon for your drive , dear , '' said her mother , as respectfully as if the whole twelve had come .
`` Miss XXXXX is a very sweet girl , and seemed to enjoy herself , I thought , '' observed Beth , with unusual warmth .
Amy Eliott Jo Laurie Tudor afternoon cherry-bounce o'clock partaken pucker