You are tired , and want to be `` stayed with flagons and comforted with apples '' , ' said Laurie , offering an arm to each sister , and leading them away to afternoon tea , which flowed as freely on Parnassus as the nectar of old . They found Meg in the summer-parlour , an airy and delightful room , full now of afternoon sunshine and the rustle of trees ; for the three long windows opened on the garden . The great music-room was at one end , and at the other , in a deep alcove hung with purple curtains , a little household shrine had been made . Three portraits hung there , two marble busts stood in the corners , and a couch , an oval table , with its urn of flowers , were the only articles of furniture the nook contained . The busts were John Brooke and Beth -- Amy 's work -- both excellent likenesses , and both full of the placid beauty which always recalls the saying , that ` Clay represents life ; plaster , death ; marble , immortality ' . On the right , as became the founder of the house , hung the portrait of Mr Laurence , with its expression of mingled pride and benevolence , as fresh and attractive as when he caught the girl Jo admiring it . Opposite was Aunt March -- a legacy to Amy -- in an imposing turban , immense sleeves , and long mittens decorously crossed on the front of her plum-coloured satin gown . Time had mellowed the severity of her aspect ; and the fixed regard of the handsome old gentleman opposite seemed to account for the amiable simper on lips that had not uttered a sharp word for years . In the place of honour , with the sunshine warm upon it , and a green garland always round it , was Marmee 's beloved face , painted with grateful skill by a great artist whom she had befriended when poor and unknown . So beautifully lifelike was it that it seemed to smile down upon her daughters , saying cheerfully : ` Be happy ; I am with you still . ' The three sisters stood a moment looking up at the beloved picture with eyes full of tender reverence and the longing that never left them ; for this noble mother had been so much to them that no one could ever fill her place . Only two years since she had gone away to live and love anew , leaving such a sweet memory behind her that it was both an inspiration and a comforter to all the household . They felt this as they drew closer to one another , and Laurie put it into words as he said earnestly : ' I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a woman like our mother . Please God , she shall be , if I can do it ; for I owe the best I have to this dear saint . ' Just then a fresh voice began to sing ` Ave Maria ' in the music-room , and Bess unconsciously echoed her father 's prayer for her as she dutifully obeyed his wishes . The soft sound of the air Marmee used to sing led the listeners back into the world again from that momentary reaching after the loved and lost , and they sat down together near the open windows enjoying the music , while Laurie brought them tea , making the little service pleasant by the tender care he gave to it . Nat came in with Demi , soon followed by Ted and Josie , the Professor and his faithful Rob , all anxious to hear more about ` the boys ' . The rattle of cups and tongues grew brisk , and the setting sun saw a cheerful company resting in the bright room after the varied labours of the day . Professor Bhaer was grey now , but robust and genial as ever ; for he had the work he loved , and did it so heartily that the whole college felt his beautiful influence . Rob was as much like him as it was possible for a boy to be , and was already called the ` young Professor ' , he so adored study and closely imitated his honoured father in all ways .
` Well , heart 's dearest , we go to have our boys again , all two , and may rejoice greatly , ' said Mr Bhaer , seating himself beside XXXXX with a beaming face and a handshake of congratulation .
Bhaer Demi Jo Laurence Parnassus Rob alcove nook right simper